Eye on the Target - TARGETHING - Talking Guns

41926 hr1


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The radio segment focused heavily on recent legal and political developments surrounding gun rights. Amanda Suffecool and Rob Campbell discussed a proposed change by the United States Postal Service that could allow private individuals to mail handguns for the first time since 1927. They argued that current restrictions force gun owners to use more expensive private carriers like UPS and FedEx, increasing costs for consumers and gun shops. They also noted that the Department of Justice has reportedly signaled that the longstanding postal restrictions may be unconstitutional under the framework established by the Bruen decision.

The hosts also spent time discussing the National Firearms Act and lawsuits challenging continued registration requirements for suppressors and other NFA-regulated items after certain tax provisions were removed. They argued that if the NFA tax has been eliminated, the registration system should also disappear. They highlighted a lawsuit involving the Second Amendment Foundation, the NRA, the American Suppressor Association, and others challenging the continued registry requirements.

Another major topic was the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which protects firearm manufacturers from lawsuits when criminals misuse guns. Amanda and Rob compared lawsuits against gun companies to suing car manufacturers when someone uses a car in a crime. They discussed ongoing legal fights over attempts by states like New York to work around those protections through "public nuisance" laws and noted that several pro-gun organizations and states are supporting challenges to those efforts.

The show also covered Amanda's successful election to the NRA Board of Directors for a three-year term. She described the stress of waiting for the election results and thanked supporters for helping her place near the top of the field. The hosts encouraged listeners to attend the NRA Annual Meeting in Houston, arguing that people who are skeptical of the NRA should see firsthand what the organization does.

Amanda and Rob argued that recent Supreme Court decisions such as Heller, McDonald, and Bruen have gradually expanded Second Amendment protections. They suggested that more gun-rights victories may come in the future, including potential national concealed carry reciprocity and further restrictions on state and local gun control laws.

The discussion later shifted to Ohio, where the hosts criticized efforts by cities like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati to enact local gun regulations despite state preemption laws that prohibit cities from passing rules stricter than state law. They argued that these cities repeatedly waste taxpayer money by pursuing lawsuits they are unlikely to win.

Finally, the segment turned to California. Amanda criticized California's gun laws and argued that lawmakers use "spot bills" to hide controversial gun control measures until late in the legislative process. The hosts also discussed a college student who wrote about why women may need access to firearms for self-defense, arguing that physical differences between men and women can make firearms an important equalizer in dangerous situations. They concluded by saying that political change depends on more people becoming engaged, running for office, and participating in local government.

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Eye on the Target - TARGETHING - Talking GunsBy [email protected] (Rob Campbell & Amanda Suffecool)