The Tampa Bay Times is touting Florida’s ex parte “red flag” firearm confiscation law. Because of course they are.
Florida’s ‘red flag’ gun law saves lives, and it’s a good start.
More than 2,600 people in Florida who had no business owning a weapon have had their guns confiscated so far under a state “red flag” law passed soon after last year’s mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. The law has certainly prevented more tragedies, and it reaffirms the Florida Legislature can make a difference on gun safety. Now it’s time to do more.
It’s saving lives? Can the editorial board cite any specific examples of that?
I ask because since enactment of the law, the number of Florida homicides and suicides have gone up. Firearm-related homicides went up. After holding steady for years at 14.1/100K, the suicide rate suddenly jumped to 15.3/100K.
Perhaps they consider the law to be working simply because firearms were taken; without probable cause, without due process (because if there were probable cause to think a crime or suicide had happened or was imminent, they would not need to use the red flag law).
What other violations of constitutionally protected rights would the Times celebrate?
- More than 2,600 people in Florida who had no business going to unapproved religious services had their churches closed in case they violated religious non-profit rules to campaign for a candidate. It’s a good start.
- More than 2,600 people in Florida who had no business criticizing government were arrested for peaceably assembling to petition. It’s a good start.
- More than 2,600 people in Florida who had no business living in their own homes were evicted to make room for National Guard troops. It’s a good start.
- More than 2,600 people in Florida who had no business simply walking the street were stopped and frisked without probable cause. It’s a good start.
- More than 2,600 people in Florida who had no business getting a trial with a jury of peers were unilaterally shipped off to Gitmo. It’s a good start.
- More than 2,600 local newspapers in Florida which had no business running a free press were closed just in case they might publish unauthorized news or opinion. It’s a good start.
No. It isn’t.