Gun Possession Now OK at FEMA Housing

[shockingelk]

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=1246366

NEW ORLEANS Oct 24, 2005 — Following complaints from gun-rights groups, FEMA said Monday it is lifting a ban on firearms at emergency housing parks built in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

Under the new federal policy, residents can possess and store firearms. Use of weapons is still prohibited in the parks, said Butch Kinerny, a spokesman for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

... FEMA said it has been general policy for several years to prohibit guns at such parks anywhere in the country. But two gun rights groups the National Rifle Association and Second Amendment Foundation said they found out about it only this month as a 600-trailer encampment opened near Baton Rouge.

... Col. Greg Phares, chief sheriff's deputy in Baton Rouge, had asked for a firearms ban at the park. He expressed frustration Monday, saying FEMA gave him conflicting information on whether there was such a ban in the first place. He also said gun-rights groups overreacted.

[xultar]

1. That meaning if they kill each other off FEMA has less to pay.

[Silverhair]

2. That is a good thing. You should not lose right just because

you are in FEMA housing.

[madeline_con]

4. Agreed.

Let rights and common sense prevail. :hi:

[jody]

3. OK to ban guns if FEMA agrees to pay damages for failing to protect

residents of emergency housing parks.

The original concept of keeping and bearing arms was stated very simply by Pennsylvania in its Constitution, 1776, "I. That all men are born equally free and independent, and have certain natural, inherent and inalienable rights, amongst which are, the enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety" and "That the people have a right to bear arms for the defence of themselves and the state".

Moreover, our Constitution says in the Preamble:
"We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

In addition, SCOTUS has said governments are not obligated to protect an individual unless she/he is in custody.

If FEMA wants to accept responsibility for protecting individuals, OK but that brings with it liability for damages that a victim might incur.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

5. Yep

Wouldn't want to deny the rights of the gang bangers.

[ErisFiveFingers]

6. Well, if the guns were registered..

...and only used in self defense, that would make sense. I somehow doubt that Katrina survivors will be needed as a militia during their stay.

[-..__...]

7. Good for those trailer park residents.

And good that FEMA got their ass handed to them on this one.