Defending the Second Amendment: A Governor’s Pledge to Liberty
As your governor, I stand resolute in safeguarding the Second Amendment from federal overreach. I will neither approve nor allow any legislation that undermines our constitutional right to bear arms—including unconstitutional red flag laws—to take effect in South Dakota. Through executive orders and the process of nullification, I will direct the attorney general to challenge any gun laws that violate the Second Amendment’s clear text or erode citizens’ inalienable right to self-defense.
The Constitutional Foundation
The Second Amendment states:
“A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”
This language is unambiguous. Courts and lawmakers must first interpret this text as written, then look to America’s historical tradition of firearm liberty to assess any regulation. The right to bear arms is non-negotiable—a bulwark against tyranny, whether from foreign threats or an overreaching government.
The Fallacy of Gun-Free Zones
Gun-free zones are not only unconstitutional but also a direct assault on our right to self-defense. The Bill of Rights constrains government power at every level—federal, state, and local—and its protections extend across both public and private spheres within our Republic. Private entities, like businesses, cannot cherry-pick which constitutional rights to honor. Just as censoring speech in a store would violate the First Amendment, imposing gun-free zones strips away the Second. On American soil, the Constitution is supreme, and any policy—public or private—that subverts it through deception or political agendas endangers our nation’s foundation.
Understanding the Opposition
Those who oppose the Second Amendment fall into two groups:
- Power-Seekers: They grasp its purpose—to prevent unchecked authority—and aim to dismantle it for their own gain.
- The Misled: Indoctrinated by the first group, they fear their own rights out of ignorance rather than malice.
The former threaten liberty deliberately; the latter can still be reached with truth and reason.
A Vision for South Dakota: Leading by Example
South Dakota will set a national standard for firearm freedom, drawing inspiration from Finland’s model of widespread shooting ranges and civilian preparedness. My administration will:
- Build 200 new shooting ranges to promote responsible gun ownership, civilian training, and state readiness.
- Stimulate local economies through jobs in construction, management, and tourism.
- Strengthen emergency preparedness by equipping citizens to support professional responders in crises.
- Empower female shooters by ensuring ranges are accessible, fostering inclusivity in sports and defense training.
This isn’t just about firearms—it’s about cultivating responsibility, resilience, and community strength.
Broader Benefits
This initiative will:
- Encourage recreational and competitive shooting, boosting community engagement and economic activity.
- Educate youth in discipline and responsibility through programs blending firearms training with STEM concepts like ballistics.
- Enhance national security by fostering a capable, self-reliant citizenry ready to defend our way of life.
Action Plan: Enforcing the Right to Bear Arms
To cement these principles, I propose the following:
- Definitions:
- Citizen: A member of this Constitutional Republic.
- People: The collective body of this Republic.
- Bear Arms: To carry or present arms of any type, regardless of design, function, or technological advancement.
- The Right to Bear Arms:
- Citizens’ right to keep and bear arms—of any make, model, or feature—shall not be infringed by any authority, public or private, within South Dakota.
- Restrictions on sales, ammunition, accessories, or taxation are unlawful infringements.
- The Right to Equal Standing:
- Citizens may match arms with any governmental or private entity.
- Gun-free zones are illegal, whether imposed by government or private actors.
- Violators face immediate removal from office and a lifetime ban from public service.
- Enforcement:
- Any individual or entity infringing on these rights forfeits their position automatically.
- Local law enforcement and Constitutional Militias are authorized to enforce this, including with force if necessary.
- Immutable Protection:
- This framework cannot be overruled or altered by any law, treaty, or ruling—only citizens, through local votes, may amend it, and only if core rights remain intact.
A Call to Action
Critics may balk at the costs, but consider the alternative: a passive populace, tethered to welfare and TikTok, versus a vigilant, trained citizenry ready to uphold liberty. The choice is clear. As your governor, I will ensure South Dakota champions the Second Amendment, empowers its people, and secures our future as a beacon of freedom.