Three townships in Michigan have joined the wave of resistance to federal violations of the Second Amendment, as Comins, Greenwood and Big Creek passed resolutions proclaiming the unconditional right of their residents to keep and bear arms.
The Big Creek resolution passed unanimously, while the Comins resolution passed 4 to 1. The Greenwood resolution was extended to protect the entire Bill of Rights and passed unanimously. The resolution was also introduced in Clinton Township, where it was tabled and will be discussed at a later meeting.
Activists in Oscoda County say they hope to get similar resolutions passed in all of the townships within county limits, sending a message to state legislators that they must act to protect Second Amendment rights from federal intrusion.
“I plan to get all our townships on board, then start on other counties around us, and hope it snowballs into a statewide process.”
Joseph Stone introduced the resolution in Big Creek Township.
“I am a strong Second Amendment and open carry advocate and we need to continue to fight for our rights,” he said.
The Big Creek resolution is very similar to the model legislation offered by the Tenth Amendment Center. It states that “the Big Creek Township Board supports the Constitution of the United States, specifically the Second Amendment, and shall refrain from supporting any legislation and oppose any attempts to infringe on these inalienable rights. And support the right of the people to keep and bear arms.”
As previously reported on the TAC blog, Michigan introduced SB 63 back in January. The Firearms Freedom Act would protect all guns and ammo produced within the State of Michigan from the federal gun grabbers. While the state Senate has been lackadaisical in protecting the rights of its citizens, the people of Oscoda County have been proactive in making their voices heard, declaring unconstitutional behavior will not be tolerated.
These resolutions are non-binding, but they represent a good start and serve multiple purposes. They express the will of the people in a given area, sending a strong message to lawmakers at the state and federal level. They also provide an educational tool and rallying point, demonstrating the effectiveness of local activism, while getting local communities used to the idea of standing up for their God-given rights.
These local government took a strong first step. Now citizens can build on the momentum, turn it up a notch, and push for binding resolutions that would forbid city/county compliance with any unconstitutional act infringing on the Second Amendment. This kind of local pressure can not only serve as a catalyst for statewide action, but can itself thwart federal efforts to enforce unconstitutional acts. Local noncompliance can create major obstructions and impediments. Federal law enforcement agencies lack the manpower and resources to enforce federal laws on their own. They always require the aid of state AND local law enforcement. As Judge Andrew Napolitano said recently, widespread noncompliance can make a federal law “nearly impossible to enforce” (video here).
Here are some concrete steps you can take.
1. Contact your local legislators – County, City, Town – and urge them to introduce a local Second Amendment preservation ORDINANCE. You can find model legislation model HERE.
2. Become a local leader. If you’re dedicated to the right and keep and bear arms, we’ll provide you with the tools you need to not only act on your own, but to organize and lead others to help support these efforts. For more information, click HERE.
3. Share this information widely. Please pass this along to your friends and family. Also share it with any and all grassroots groups you’re in contact with around the state. Please encourage them to email this information to their members and supporters.
ACTION ITEMS
The Firearms Freedom Act has been lying dormant in the State Senate for six months and a public push is needed to get action taken on this bill. If you live in the State of Michigan, you can find the contact information for your Senator by clicking HERE. Politely urge them to support SB 63, honor their oath to the Constitution and protect our Second Amendment rights.
