that will suck if they do though..

Yes, I did read the bill proposal—twice. That’s what got me upset. I found it to be another step towards disarming American citizens. Hence the word, “inert.” I fully realize the bill proposal was generated by Customs, that’s why I made reference to the “CBP.” Janet Napalotano, an appointee of the current presidential administration, as you may know, heads this agency. That should explain my reference to “this Administration” and not just the CBP.

I noted the perfidious patronization provided by the post’s author, however, there are many correct uses of the word, “inert.” According to Merriam-Webster’s Medical Dictionary, inert can mean matter that lacks the inherent power of action, motion, or resistance. Colloquial uses of the word, “inert” may be correctly applied beyond chemical compounds in order to personify a persuasive argument. Some synonyms for inert include, “passive”, “immobile”, and “powerless.” Therefore, I believe my usage of “inert” was correct and appropriate for the context of my statement.

To answer the question regarding needing a spring to open my pocketknife, the answer is, “no”. It opens quickly with a flick of my wrist. However, whether I need a spring-loaded knife or not is irrelevant. If I want to have a spring-loaded knife, or any other currently outlawed knife, I should be able to legally purchase as many as of them as my heart desires. What folks like the post’s author don’t seem to understand is history. There are far more historical examples of people losing their rights and freedoms a little bit at a time versus a massive grab by the state. The state, backed and assisted by special interest groups, normally begins the removal of a personal liberty by working in a duplicitous manner. They snatch a piece of the liberty a little at a time. A bill proposal here, some legislative lobbying there, a non-bipartisan bill pushed trough Congress in the night “and… PRESTO!” before you know it, another personal freedom is lost. This happens all of the time, decade after decade. and it does not seem to matter much which incompetent team of dolts is in the White House or Capital Hill. That’s why I opposed the proposal along with a lot of other things our so-called leaders are forcing upon us. In their eyes, Uncle Sam knows best. I disagree.

A huge portion of the commercial pocketknives today are spring assisted and this change would make millions of law abiding pocket knife owners in violation of the law.

The problem is the new definition is too broad and the process for making this change has been forced through by an over reaching agency that is out of control, and not accountable for its actions.

The reason why I took time out to reply is because I have a friend who read this and told me they are trying to ban all pocket knives which is not the case. I wish more people would take the time to read things through.

best of luck, thank you for your service.

Thank you so much for informing me about this CBP proposed rule! Is there no end to this administration’s desire to render its citizens inert? I will begin an intelligent letter writing campaign immediately–starting with the CBP and my representatives in Washington.

Respectfully,

Darryl Barker
Retired USAF Veteran
Great Falls, Montana