If I could have one wish it would be that our lives were more peaceful and less politicized.
In order for peace to become a reality we must have a law system that allows persons with different beliefs about government and religion to live side by side. I am not aware of a better blueprint for this than the ideas codified in the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. I think the wisdom of Jefferson shined most brilliantly when he penned these seven words.
“ . . . the Laws of Nature and Nature’s God”
In seven words he aggregates the essence of some of our greatest political thinkers, from Cicero to Locke, from Augustine to Blackstone on the role of law and government in a free society. In seven words he establishes the legal foundation for believer and unbeliever to coexist in peace under an ethic that transcends them both.
What the nonbeliever observes in nature the believer sees specifically revealed in his/her Bible . . . all men are created equal (rule of law, limited government, freedom) and property rights (8th Commandment – one of God’s “Top 10”).
It is therefore paramount in a county that truly desires peace that their top law enforcement, or “peace” officer, understand the significance of these ideas and have a deep and unwavering commitment to upholding and defending such. Thus the reason for the oath we ask each of our electeds to take. It is vital that our chief peace officer model submission to higher law in the same manner he wishes those in his jurisdiction to emulate.
It is for this reason that I expressed my disappointment in Sheriff Gore’s refusal to submit to the 9th Circuit Court ruling codifying the constitutionality and natural right of every San Diego County resident to carry a concealed weapon. I expressed my disappointment on December 3rd before the County Board of Supervisors and I do so again here.
Commentary Before Board of Supervisors
It is for this reason that I also express my disappointment in our Sheriff for continuing to expend tax payer dollars to challenge our natural rights as he did with another appeal on December 23rd. (Author removed previous clause assigning culpability to Board of Supervisors as this expenditure came from the Sheriff’s budget without oversight from the Board)
In a conversation on Sunday, May 4th from my home, the Sheriff expressed to me privately what he had expressed publicly, that when the 9th Circuit Court ruling was handed down he would “uphold and defend” it.
On November 12th the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected an appeal from State Attorney General Kamala Harris for standing. He now has the legal guidance he requested. There is no possibility he will be prosecuted for issuing more permits using self-defense as “good cause”.
Our Sheriff stated that San Diego isn’t a rural county like most of the counties in California who take self-defense as good cause. I believe he is mistaken on a fundamental point regarding law. Our natural rights are not a function of the county in which we reside. They were determined before the county came into existence.
The Orange County Sheriff had an identical policy on concealed carry permits and is now “upholding and defending” this right as a result of the Peruta decision. Our Sheriff has not.
Concealed carry permits are a subset of a more important discussion. What place are we assigning the great ideas of Jefferson, Madison et al? Have we progressed beyond their wisdom? To our County Board of Supervisors and to our Sheriff I say be an example. Be an inspiring example. The blueprint created by men much wiser than ourselves is still a lock to produce a peace and prosperity beyond our best laid plans. “If not us then who? If not now, then when?” I think it’s time.
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Eric Andersen is a member of Gun Owners of California, former Rock Church Citizen of the Year and serves as a member of the Central Committee in the 71st Assembly District for the San Diego County Republican Party. He is also a Co-Founder of the San Diego County Republican Liberty Caucus and im2moro.com.