Gun control forum addresses misconceptions
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Several elected officials discuss misconceptions regarding Idaho's role in gun control. Video by IdahoOnYourSide.com
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Straight shooting... that's what a group of elected officials had in mind when they decided to tackle the public's rising concern about federal gun control.
They held an online forum covering key issues including whether Ada County's sheriff would arrest federal officials who try to take your guns.
The panel had representatives from the three branches of government.
They took to the internet to address the most inflammatory issues surrounding gun control.
"I think the biggest misconception is that we can do whatever we want. Block borders, pull guns on federal agents. Put federal agents in jail."
Sheriffs in Oregon have suggested that's what they would do if the Feds came knocking on doors to take away guns.
That's something Ada County Sheriff Gary Raney says is far fetched.
"I just absolutely believe that's not going to happen."
Moreover, Raney says his job comes first, even as he seeks to protect his right to own a gun.
"I also want to protect gun rights of the law abiding citizen but don't ask me to be a hypocrite about my oath of office."
Representative Christy Perry says Idaho's legislature is not sitting still on the issue.
"We at the legislature are taking suggestions from people. We put together a task force and we're combining ideas into what Idaho can do."
Even if state law oversteps its bounds regarding President Obama's gun control efforts, those in the judicial branch say it's important that every state speak up.
"When 30 or 40 states come up with resolutions or statutes along the same line, the supreme court takes notice of that." says former Chief Justice for the Idaho Supreme Court, Robert Bakes. He adds, if gun control legislation reaches the supreme court level, the court usually rules with the prevaling attitudes in the country.
And if that doesn't work, there's always the next election.
"If the nation as a whole doesn't like where we're going our recourse is at the ballot box."
Justice Bakes says it's not cost effective for states to sue over gun control legislation.
But no one on the panel of experts thinks the presidents most significant proposals will pass Congress.
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