In a recent move that sent shockwaves through the nation, New Mexico’s Democratic Governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham, has taken a controversial stance on the Second Amendment. This week, she issued a ban on the open carry of firearms in public spaces in and around Albuquerque, citing public health concerns as her justification. But it didn’t take long for her decision to face significant pushback from defenders of constitutional rights.
Governor Grisham’s temporary suspension of open carry rights was intended to last for a staggering 30 days. However, it crumbled under the weight of constitutional scrutiny within a mere week. Several pro-Second Amendment groups immediately sprang into action, filing lawsuits to challenge the order. On Wednesday, a judge granted a temporary restraining order, halting the governor’s overreach until October 3.
This legal victory was a powerful recognition that the governor’s order flagrantly violated the Second Amendment. The Constitution is the bedrock of our nation’s principles, and it is illegal for any public official, even a governor, to willfully disregard it. While the wheels of justice may turn slowly, Grisham’s actions have opened the door to potential legal repercussions, sending a clear message that constitutional rights must be upheld.
Senate Republican leader Greg Baca celebrated the court’s decision, underlining the urgency of the situation: “The governor’s disregard for the Constitution is alarming. We hope this ruling and the widespread backlash will serve as a stark reminder to the governor and her allies: the people have had enough, and we will not stand idly by as our freedoms erode.”
The outcry against Governor Grisham’s unconstitutional ban was so intense that local law enforcement refused to enforce it. Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen firmly stated, “It’s unconstitutional, so there’s no way we can enforce that order. This ban does nothing to curb gun violence. Let me be clear: I do not and will never waver on what is right.”
One cannot help but wonder why Grisham believes punishing law-abiding gun owners by restricting their rights will have any effect on criminal gun violence. The sad reality is that the vast majority of gun crimes are committed by criminals, not responsible gun owners. So, how does banning open carry address the root causes of crime?
Governor Grisham’s actions appear to be nothing more than political theatrics, offering no substantive solutions to reduce gun violence. Sheriff Allen recognized this and urged the governor to reconsider her unconstitutional stance, emphasizing that this was entirely her decision.
Grisham, in response, said, “I don’t need a lecture on constitutionality; what I need is action. We need leaders to stand up for the victims of violent crime. We need law enforcement, district attorneys, public officials, school leaders, and state agencies to use every tool at their disposal to stop this violence.”
While calling for action is a common refrain among liberal leaders, the New Mexico Governor’s actions speak louder than her words. Instead of infringing on Second Amendment rights, perhaps she should focus on bolstering law enforcement, increasing police presence, and keeping criminals behind bars, which would undoubtedly lead to a decrease in crime and gun violence while safeguarding our rights.
In conclusion, Governor Grisham’s recent assault on the Second Amendment may have grabbed headlines, but it ultimately proves to be nothing more than political grandstanding. The real solution to combating gun violence lies in addressing the root causes, not restricting the rights of law-abiding citizens. It’s a lesson our elected officials must heed if we are to preserve the liberties that define our great nation.
