U.S.A. –-(Ammoland.com)- Socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) dropped a bombshell into the political discussion in Iowa Sunday, declaring, “I don’t support…a mandatory buyback is essentially confiscation, which I think is unconstitutional.”
Sanders, according to Fox News, was responding to a question from the audience during a “Town Hall” gathering in Charles City, Iowa.
“It means,” he continued, “that I am going to walk into your house and take something whether you like it or not. I don’t think that stands up to constitutional scrutiny.”
It was a stunning remark from a Democratic candidate more than two months after now-departed fellow Democrat Robert Francis “Beto” O’Rourke blurted during a Democratic debate in Texas, “Hell, yes, we’re going to take your AR-15, your AK-47!”
In the days following, Democrats came under heavy criticism for not challenging O’Rourke right there on the stage. The former Texas congressman subsequently said in interviews that he would push mandatory buy-back of semi-auto rifles, and if owners didn’t comply, they would face consequences. He also posited that because American gun owners are law-abiding citizens, they would obey the law and surrender their guns in such a situation.
Insisting he would not be intimidated by the National Rifle Association, Sanders asserted that Republicans have been intimidated by the gun rights organization.
Fox News recalled how last month South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg had concurred with Sanders about gun buybacks equaling confiscation, and it got him in trouble with New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker and California Sen. Kamala Harris, who support mandatory buybacks.
But grassroots gun rights activists call that “compensated confiscation,” because they would receive some remuneration from the government for their firearms. However, confiscation under any name is still confiscation, say Second Amendment advocates. Non-compliance could result in legal troubles, if not outright arrest under O’Rourke’s scenario.
There is no doubt that gun control versus gun rights is going to be a pivotal issue in the 2020 campaign. With last week’s indication that anti-gun-rights billionaire Michael Bloomberg, whose Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund made a clear difference in how the Virginia legislative elections turned out Nov. 5, now apparently preparing to enter the Democratic presidential race, the future of the Second Amendment could hang in the balance.
Virginia’s Democrat Gov. Ralph Northam is already promising to push his entire gun control agenda when lawmakers convene next year in Richmond. With Democrats in full control come January, gun owners who sat out the election—only about 40 percent of voters actually cast ballots—could become a sorry lot, unable to stop Northam’s runaway train.
Meanwhile, there is a grassroots campaign unfolding on the far side of the nation, in Washington State, to repeal gun control Initiative 1639, passed by just under 60 percent of the voters last year. Now, however, it appears some of those same voters, who apparently thought they were supporting a school safety measure, are ready to roll back the clock, along with thousands of angry Evergreen State gun owners. Organizers of the repeal effort—via Initiative 1094—have privately estimated they have gathered in the neighborhood of 80,000 signatures already. They need 300,000 by Dec. 28 in order to turn their petitions in to the Secretary of State’s office. Signature gathering began just two weeks ago, and if this apparent momentum continues, they may reach their goal. Petitions are available in more than 250 gun stores and other locations across the state.
In neighboring Oregon, gun owners are facing another gun control measure, Initiative Petition 18. This proposal would require all firearms to be locked up unless they are in use, and mandatory reporting of lost or stolen firearms within 24 hours of the loss or discovered theft.
As for Sanders, his comments may not earn him anymore traction among Iowa gun rights voters, but they do sharpen an issue from which his fellow candidates cannot run, weave or dance around. In the days and weeks ahead, Booker, Harris and other Democrats who may support compensated confiscation are going to be faced with the unpopular task of explaining why to audiences in the Heartland, where guns and Second Amendment rights remain an integral part of the social fabric.
About Dave Workman
Dave Workman is a senior editor at TheGunMag.com and Liberty Park Press, author of multiple books on the Right to Keep & Bear Arms and formerly an NRA-certified firearms instructor.
This piece of shit is saying whatever he can to get the STUPID VOTE… He must have watched The View the other day when Joy Behar (she is the trued definition of C**T) said to lie to get votes then switch… Yup TYPICAL Dem/lib by the book politics.
@R; “C**T”. Is’nt COMMUNIST spelled “C*******T with many more letters instead of four, which you have?
I think he was referring what she got between her legs.
He refers to C you next tuesday.
“Whenever any nation mistrusts its citizens with guns, it is sending a clear message.
It no longer trusts its citizens because such a government has evil plans”.
George Washington, First President of the United States.
He’s going to us the Joy Behar method. Simply lie, get elected then confiscate. Simple, democrats have been promising the moon for decades and never delivering, proving that most people are dumber than a box of rocks.
Kum-allah and Spartacus would get run right the f–k out of town in most rural midwestern communities. That’s why Bernie lied to the people in that Iowa gym; he was afraid of getting tarred and feathered. Everybody knows that Bernie’s commie ass would support a confiscation bill in a heartbeat.
Anyone who believes anything a Democrat (and most Republicans) politician says is an idiot and a fool. At this time, in the United States, lying has become so commonplace that it has lost it stigma among the population and has become accepted as a viable method of doing business and procuring political advancement. Ethics, morals, courtesy, standards, self-respect and common decency no longer seems to be present to any degree among the “masses”, especially the youth, and those traits have been totally abandoned by Democrats, liberals and the VAST majority of politicians, business and government bureaucrats.
Sanders is going to try the George H.W. Bush ” Read my lips ” tactic . Typical tactic of seeing what lie they can get away with.
You mean the EX-president that said muslems were wonderful people and have a “religion of peace”?
He also stated, the NWO is a wonderful organization and will benefit all of man.
First statement is a LIE!!! muslems have been proven throughout history to be a CULT of PIECES!
Second statement is also a LIE!!!
IF you want to live as a FREEMAN, you must reject the communistic NWO.
IF you want to live on your knees as a SLAVE, then you will accept the communistic NWO.
That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
But, the inaction by the American People is exactly WHY we are at this point where socialism and communism, enslavement of the People, is approved.
Cowardice, inaction and apathy have their consequences.
Bernie Sanders is a classic example of a politician saying whatever it takes to get elected. He hails from Vermont, and Vermont is as anti-gun, anti-Constitutional as a liberal state can be, and still hail from America. He reminds me of the old axiom: “Believe nothing of what you hear, and half of what you see.” Hell, I don’t even think he’s really there, actually saying that he supports the 2A!
As I remember, this was not always the case. Prior to the big anti-gun push of the Clinton era, Vermont was one of the lesser restrictive states in the USA. As I remember Vermont had Constitutional Carry when most states did not. In a senatorial race the republican candidate got on board with the democrat , both of them running on gun control. Bernie ran third party promising to protect gun rights, and beat them both.. After that everything proceeded down the slippery slope. Something to consider regarding his recent stand on constitutionality ! If my memory has failed me,… Read more »
Vermont is pro gun in the context of the North East. yes compared to NH it isn’t, but compared to NY, NJ, Conn, RI, Maryland?
Rec, I was not making any kind of statement about present day conditions.. Notice I said, -“Prior to the big anti-gun push of the Clinton era ” Since some people may not know how or why Socialist Sanders got elected to office in the first place, I sought to educate some. I realize some will resist education at all costs. If you are asking about the current conditions of freedom in the northeastern states, then this pretty stunning to me. The five states you ask about have been in the news , electronic and print, so repeatedly for restricting and… Read more »
Does this nutjob think firearm owners are stupid? I really haven’t considered him a threat, he’s already had a heart attack during the debates and he looks llike an over ripe cherry tomato ready to pop.
When are gun owners going to learn? Never apparently. It does not matter what they say, what matters is what they do, and have done.
He says he doesnt support ” people coming to your home and taking what’s lawfully yours”, well, he supports any and every other backstabbing method they can possibly contrive to render our exercise of the 2A impossible. DAMMNIT PEOPLE, WAKE THE F UP!!!
Liberals have spent the last 30 years pushing abortion rights to the extent that many Conservatives don’t even question the slaughter of millions of the unborn. Supreme Court nominees are questioned and vetted by Democrats on their willingness to support the “right to choose”, which has absolutely no basis in the Constitution. So why are we not as adamant in supporting our Constitutionally protected gun rights? We need to stand up to these anti-gun zealots, and let them know we will never accept attempts to infringe on our rights and freedoms.
Another lie from another commie. They have one goal, total disarmament. The all know old Moa was correct, “Political power flows from the barrel of a gun.”
Evil is being called good and good is being called evil, just like it was said would happen.
There is nothing good that can happen with anything the left/democrats want to do, but that won’t stop them from lying and deceiving because that is just what they are.
When they started following Alinski they stopped being Americans.
Does anyone know what HilLIARy’s THESIS was based on?
“alinsky and his communistic ideology”.
She fell for the ideology – HOOK – – LINE – – and SINKER!!!!!!!!!
1984
Stay out of my state sanders! Your not welcome!
He will push for an all out ban, just like Feinstein wanted to do but did not have the votes.
Mr & Mrs America turn them all in.
Then he will push for licensing for all gun owners, oh just like your car, you need insurance.
Then national registry will be drafted and signed by the next Demo0RAT POTUS.
What these DemoNAZIS do not understand is WE THE PEOPLE DO understand what the RADICALIZED LEFT wants to do. This is the EXACT reason LEGAL LAW ABIDING American CITIZENS (not “subjects”) ARE REFUSING to follow an UNCONSTITUTIONAL “under the color” law!!!!!!
Americans will NOT accept a socialist/communist government. We will continue to hold fast to the Bible and OUR weapons.
I agree with bernie, and I never thought there would be an occasion to do so. “buy backs”, “Red Flags”, “Mandatory anything are just not able to pass Constitutional muster. I still find it odd that a socialist would not advocate for confiscation.
@MSG L, Yes, very odd. Unbelieveably odd.
That just goes to show you how good a liar he is.
Don’t think for a second he’s not a lying sack of commie shit, MSG.
I have to agree with WB, it is unbelievable.
@MSGL: HINT; ‘b.sanders’ is LYING through his teeth! He has already stated he will confiscate all weapons from Americans. One must remember – – – HE IS A FULL RED BLOODED COMMUNIST.
We choose the type of world we want to live in. If communism overtakes our nation It’s because those that desire to live in slavery want it more than we conservatives want freedom. The infringements on our Constitution and freedom have occurred because conservatives allowed it with little or no fight to preserve it. If tyrants are allowed power by our complacency then we must expect to live under tyranny. If we truly want our freedom then we MUST fight with EVERYTHING at our disposal. If we have to split this nation to hold our freedom then it’s worth it.… Read more »
Yes, and NY and CT have found out they can only push us so far before we no longer comply with their unconstitutional laws. We are facing a hard next couple of years in Virginia. The Socialists in Virginia will discover that we will also will not comply. The worst of it is that at the Richmond Gun show this past weekend there were probably more people there than at the polls on the 5th. All wondering what was going to happen now that the Socialists, oops, Democrats hold both houses of state government, and the governorship. I kept thinking,… Read more »
I have learned that last year, when the “people” of Wasington State chose to enact a draconian many-headed gun law, only 23% of gun owners even bothered to vote. And voting in this state is by a balot that is mailed to us, with free postage to return it, and multiple drop boxes all over each county. NO EXCUSE to not vote. NONE. We have those ballots at least two weeks before electioin day. Maybe the gun shows should make producing yuor voter stub showing you DID vote as a condition of entry. Maybe THAT would wake up a few… Read more »
Now why is it those supporting gun control cannot see what the actual outcome of restrictive gun laws is. I guess that question sheds some light on the questions about why gun crimes are so much more prevalent where the gun laws are the most restrictive doesn’t it? Armed law abiding citizens assist the law enforcement without even drawing their gun. Just the fact there can be an unlimited number of armed law abiding citizens out there gives pause to those criminals who are smart enough to figure out the gun thing here in the US. How about Detroit, Baltimore… Read more »
Off topic but just as important…. Supreme Court Allows Sandy Hook Relatives to Sue Gun Maker Families of victims in the 2012 shooting at an elementary school are challenging a federal law protecting gun manufacturers from liability. WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court announced Tuesday that it would not hear an appeal in a case seeking to pierce firearm manufacturers’ legal immunity in the aftermath of shootings, allowing relatives of victims from Sandy Hook Elementary School to sue Remington Arms Co., maker of the rifle used there, in Connecticut courts. The case, Remington Arms Co. v. Soto, was brought by relatives… Read more »
@USA – I fully intend to remain completely “law abiding”. Just as I currently ALWAYS observe the speed limit – though sometimes signs go by too fast to read… Being aware of surrounding and conditions, including both physical and legal hazards, I manage to retain a fairly clear driving record. Always wondering how so many slower drivers rack up ticket collections. Same applies to gun laws – don’t get caught, which could end up require knowing what to hide as well as how to hide it. Would it be a legitimate legal defense to point out that they only catch… Read more »
“the future of the Second Amendment could hang in the balance.” You people are pitiful. You seriously believe our RIGHT to keep and bear arms came from some scribble on a piece of paper. The REASON for the right is enumerated and typically ignored by the uneducated in the Constitution dolts that frequent this page. Yeah, that might mean YOU, who seem to think the word NECESSARY isn’t that important even though it is only in one place in the whole constitution. My RIGHT to keep and bear arms correlates to my RIGHT to my life and the RIGHT to… Read more »
Those that frequent the comment section of articles and commentaries posted on Ammoland are not ignorant dolts. I will take the opportunity you handed me, and not denigrate you. An aside, a funny line from Bob Newhart came to mind when I used the word denigrate; however, I am not implying anything by that, just that the line was, and still is amusing. The regulars that post here have repeatedly, and in numerous ways, have all reiterated our belief in our inalienable and natural rights, that Jefferson stated were given to us by our Creator, pre-exist government of man, and… Read more »
@Heed, I commend your self-control as you replied to Courageous, and agree with the overall meaning of your comment. But I must provide the reminder that the “Founding Fathers were Deists” is a false myth, as nearly every one of them (those who were involved in the formation of the three main documents – DOI, AOC, & USC – about 250 men total) expressly stated their faith in Jehovah and/or Jesus by name at one time or another within their careers. I’ve spent the past few years documenting this and plan to publish the compilation when all the reference notes… Read more »
@Heed – One does not have to be religious or believe in any deity to understand the right of self defense inherent to any living being. Under Darwinian evolution, one of the most important traits for any living being – is the determination and ability to pass on one’s genes to future generations. To be successful, we must survive and protect our progeny. My right to self defense springs from the simple fact that I am alive. I was shocked to see that @CL did not go into a rant about the need for militia to justify our arms. Maybe… Read more »
Finnky, you are correct, as I am not religious and believe in my inalienable rights, too. That is what Thomas Hobbes explained, self-preservation is rational and natural, not from God. Jefferson used “given to us by our Creator” to make it easier for everyone to understand, without having to provide a philosophical lecture, that self-defense is normal, rational, and natural. Every living thing has self-defense mechanisms in it.
Yes, the Second Article of Ammendment COULD be removed from the collectioin of laws uder which we now live. But the RIGHT those words on paper name and protect will NEVEr be removed from anyone until their very breath is removed. However, should the likes of the Clinton She Unit, Bloomie, etc, ever gain the upper hand, the TEXT of that law could be removed. Then we Americans would find ourselves living as did the Jews in Germany and Poland, under nazi rule. While we would retain the RIGHT to arms, the practicalities involved in exercising that right would put… Read more »
@CourageousLion,’ you erect a strawman. There is literally NO ONE HERE claiming what you say they are. No one here is saying the 2A is the *source* of the right. The right exists on its own. Rather what it is is the legal recognition and the 2A, and the gun laws, the case law, and the results of elections, and even public opinion ARE major parts of how much of that right we can actually enjoy. I see many people saying the things you do who use it as an excuse for not fighting for that right through campaign volunteering,… Read more »
Good cop, bad cop. Beto immediately played all his cards with gun control and wrecked any chance he had of getting into office. The public, especially conservatives, libertarians, and anyone otherwise pro-2A, didn’t have to try very hard to make Beto look like a crazed tyrant, he did it all himself. Bernie is more tactful, saying things like this in an attempt to pander to pro-2A and get them to listen to the rest of his socialist ramblings. We saw with Trump how easy it was to go back on promises of protecting the 2A, and he’s a republican. Can… Read more »
Old burn want to preserve the constitution after all, like the rest of us, he sees himself as a good guy. He most likely figures he can push through an amendment reminding the 2nd – so that he can legally implement any restrictions he wants – while “protecting” the constitution.
As a long time senator from Vermont – where constitutional carry has been the norm far longer than any other state, it is not too surprising that Bernie would disagree with Beto. But, his absolute socialist viewpoint one every other topic fully offsets his gun rights position, and, as socialism and an armed populace are completely incompatible, it is almost certain that he would abandon his position on gun rights if it interfered with his socialist agenda.