Let Freedom Ring! Thanking our Leaders for Constitutional Carry

March 24, 2017 T. Arthur Mason North Dakota

"The Constitution shall never be construed to prevent the people of the United States who are peaceable citizens from keeping their own arms." – Samuel Adams, Massachusetts Ratifying Convention, 1788

With Governor Doug Burgum’s signature now attached to the Constitutional Carry bill, I think it is only appropriate that we recognize and thank our elected leaders that brought this issue from a vision into reality. We certainly spend enough time being critical on issues that we disagree on.

First, a huge thanks to Rep. Rick C. Becker (R – District 7). Rep. Becker was the primary sponsor of House Bill 1169. His vision for the bill, attention to detail in having the legislation crafted, his presentation of the facts, and his advocacy were essential to it’s passage. Without Rep. Becker, there would be no Constitutional Carry.

Second, to the House for their overwhelming vote of 83 – 9. Included in this is the House Energy & Natural Resources Committee, led by Rep. Todd Porter, who gave the bill a fair and honest hearing.

Third, to the Senate for their 34 – 13 vote. Included here is the Senate Judiciary Committee, led by Senator Kelly Armstrong (R – District 36).

Fourth, to Governor Doug Burgum for his willingness to do the right thing by signing the legislation. Surely Governor Burgum faced stiff opposition in the time between the Senate voted and his signing the bill. Included in this opposition was former Governor Ed Schafer who is highly respected by the current governor and North Dakotans in general.

Fifth, and while not our elected leaders, a sincere thanks is warranted to all those that testified at committee hearings, contacted representatives, and gave of themselves to advocate for the passage of this historic legislation.

With this newly restored freedom to exercise the "right to keep and bear arms" without getting a permission slip, we must not forget our responsibility. Thursday evening Governor Burgum said, "Gun ownership is both a right and a responsibility. That responsibility begins with individuals and families." We couldn’t agree more. Be safe. Act responsibly. And be grateful for this historic legislation.

(Note: This bill does not go into effect until August 1st.)

Source:
1. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/north-dakota/articles/2017-03-23/gov-burgum-signs-concealed-carry-bill-into-law

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About T. Arthur Mason 878 Articles
T. Arthur Mason is a native North Dakotan who has spent nearly all of his life in the Peace Garden State. As the third of four children in Western North Dakota, Mason grew to appreciate family and the outdoors. Some of his fondest memories are annual deer hunts with family and friends. In his early teenage years, faith became a central part of T. Arthur Mason's life. He and the majority of his family attend church together on a weekly basis and find this a fulfilling aspect of their lives. Through the influence of his father, T. Arthur Mason became intrigued with politics. As a boy, he attended political events with his father and enjoyed the friendships that resulted as a byproduct of those political associations. As Mason grew older, he became convinced that the quote often attributed to Thomas Jefferson was true, "That government is best which governs least." Today, T. Arthur Mason enjoys time with his wife and children, an occasional hunt, and an increasingly active life on the political scene. This blog is the fulfillment of a dream to design a web site in the realm of politics and to advocate for the principles of Liberty and constitutionally limited government. On behalf of all those that contribute to The Minuteman, we hope you enjoy your time on the site and will share the message with others.

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