The ability to independently homeschool our two children - without
government interference - was paramount when considering states in which to
live. Idaho is completely free from any of that intrusion for homeschooling
families. Well, I guess I should have
looked at more than just homeschooling laws because, as we get settled, I am
finding ways that Alaskans have more freedom. My sincere hope is that Alaskans
will not legislate away that precious freedom.
Per the U.S. Constitution, states do not have the right to
legislate gun laws the same way they do with drugs, education, land, or health and welfare
of its citizens because the ability to keep and bear arms is
specifically protected in the Second Amendment. We don’t need anything else. I don’t know why
the Supreme Court and I can’t seem to agree on this. Why is it that the TRUE
“law of the land” is up for debate? Why isn’t the Supreme Court ruling that gun
rights have to cross state lines the same way that gay “marriage” can?
In Idaho, unless I am a law enforcement officer, military
member, judge, or – get this – elected politician they want me to ask permission from the county sheriff for
a permit to conceal a handgun if I so choose. They take my fingerprints and
then do a background check. They want to make sure I’ve taken a hunter safety or
handgun safety course. They charge $62.45 for all this and I’m supposed to,
what, thank them? Open carrying, of course, is perfectly fine, but if it get’s
chilly and I put a coat on I suddenly become a criminal if I don’t have a
permit. Absurd!
There are some who would argue with me and ask, “What’s the big
deal? Everything they require sounds perfectly acceptable to me. Why are you being
so difficult?” Because “everything they require” is INFRINGING on a right I had
even before the Constitution was written! In Alaska, I carried my handgun in a
concealed manner almost every time I left the house. I felt safe. I felt secure
knowing that, if needed, I could protect my loved ones and myself. I have had
that freedom and now I do not simply because I crossed state lines.
Currently, in order to relieve my feelings of helplessness, my
only course of action is to contact my local legislators and join with other
like-minded individuals to try and enact change.
I want to make this clear: the ONLY reason these
governments – city, state, federal - have any power is because WE have given it
to them. They will keep on enacting more people control as long as the people
comply. Alaskans: do not give up your freedom. You are blessed to still have
it.
“It
is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from
you.”
~Author
unknown
There are other differences in the state of freedom I have
noticed. I will save those for Part II.
