Mike Porter is a Republican. He won the Ward 8 race in Manchester. He is about 6′ 2″ and around 250 pounds. Yes, those are important details. Why? The Democrat who lost is asking for advice on buying a gun.
[That’s the quality of screen grab I was provided, so I’ve transcribed the text]
So anyone who knows me knows full well I am opposed to the gun culture in America, and want to see the “well regulated” language of the second amendment equally with the rest of its provisions. But the circumstances of my life today have allowed me to fully understand thinking of the gun-lover culture. I think I get it now. I think understand the need for personal self-defense much better now.
So I’m considering buying a gun. Strictly for self-defense, you understand. Something that would drop a man, say 6′-2,” maybe 250 lbs, at say 20 paces. something easy to learn how to use effectively.
Do any of my law-abiding gun owner friends have any suggestions?
I asked. Mike Porter looks to be 6′ 2″ and around 250 pounds. He’s 6′ 3″ – 250 but back to that in a moment.
Farley is Clueless on 2A
Mr. Farley has no clue about much of anything related to the Second Amendment, the right to self-defense, the Bill of Rights, or perhaps even the entire Constitution.
Being a Democrat, this should not surprise us. Constitutions and Bills of Rights exist to take power from the state or protect natural rights from confiscation. Democrats exist to use the government to confiscate property and rights for the state. Put another way; Democrats are why we need the Constitution.
As to the matter of the Militia, it is not, nor was it ever a creature of government control. Justice Joseph Story, an early Supreme Court Justice, is familiar with the background regarding the purpose of our Second Amendment, notes that,
The importance of this article will scarcely be doubted by any persons, who have duly reflected upon the subject. The militia is the natural defence of a free country against sudden foreign invasions, domestic insurrections, and domestic usurpations of power by rulers.”
New Hampshire’s constitution ends any speculation on the matter.
[Art.] 2-a. [The Bearing of Arms.] All persons have the right to keep and bear arms in defense of themselves, their families, their property and the state.
So, yes, Michael Farley is as entitled to this right to self-defense as any other New Hampshire resident. But it is here where we consider the specific context of his remarks.
You Takin’ to Me?
Mr. Farley is quite precise as to his need, including details he could have just as easily left out but felt compelled to include. Why?
For the record, only 5% of the population (give or take a percent) is 6′ 2″ tall. That’s a tiny portion of the population by which to feel threatened. It also suggests his motivation has nothing to do with self-defense.
I’m not saying it’s a direct threat but ask yourself if we reversed the roles and he was Republican, would this be front-page news, and not just locally?
Given that he is a Democrat, Farley probably gets a pass – excepting our remarks here – with no expectation of public or professional backlash for wanting a firearm that “would drop a man” who fits his political opponent’s size and weight almost exactly.
And when can we expect his treatise on free speech and civility in politics?
