Return of the Booth Babes: The 2007 SHOT Show
This page has been moved to http://www.fieldandstream.com/blogs/gun-nut
If your browser doesn’t redirect you to the new location, please visit The Gun Nut at its new location: www.fieldandstream.com/blogs/gun-nut.
Exclusive: Fred Thompson on the U.N.
My Fellow Americans:
I will be brief. Yesterday, I was contacted by a Mr. Paul Jon Henke, who handles "new media" relations for Fred Thompson, the tallest Republican presidential candidate who is also an actor. Mr. Henke has sent us the following statement, which the Gun Nut is running as a public service. The statement is about the U.N.'s position on the individual ownership of guns:
Last year, the United Nations Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights declared that international human rights law requires all nations to adopt strict gun control laws. These “minimum” provisions are much more restrictive than any of those on the books anywhere in the U.S. and would almost certainly violate the Second Amendment of our Constitution.
Besides concluding that all nations are obligated under international human rights law to control the small arms and light weapons to which its civilian population has access, the UN report remarkably denied the existence of any human right to self-defense, evidently overlooking the work of Hugo Grotius, the 17th century scholar credited as the founder of international law, who wrote, “It is to be observed that [the] Right of Self-Defence, arises directly and immediately from the Care of our own Preservation, which Nature recommends to every one. . . ,” and that this right is so primary, that it cannot be denied on the basis that it is not “expressly set forth.”
There is another disturbing aspect to this call for international global gun control. Throughout modern history, the forced disarmament of people by its government has often been accompanied or followed by that government’s commission of often massive human rights abuses. In fact, no genocide in the 20th century occurred when the victim population still possessed small arms, legally or illegally, with which to defend themselves.
So now the UN wants to disarm civilians? Where was the UN when the massacres in Rwanda occurred? What did the UN do to protect the victims of ethnic massacres in Bosnia? Disarming civilians under the guise of international human rights law will only lead to more such genocides by ensuring that civilians can never defend themselves! It would be funny if it weren’t so perverse.
Thankfully, the Framers of our Constitution recognized this potential peril to our liberty, and enshrined in our Second Amendment the more basic right of self-defense. The U.N. can say what it likes about other countries’ citizens’ possession of small arms being a violation of human rights law, but so long as the United States is a sovereign nation governed by its Constitution, its words will have no effect here. And I am glad for it.
My own feeling is that the U.N. would screw up the recipe for ice water. The U.N. could not break up a fight between a couple of girl scouts. The U.N. building would make an excellent high-rise apartment site. But I’m not running for president, Mr. Thompson is. Your thoughts, please.
I believe Mr. Thompson would agree with your views on the U.N.
All of the other front runners in BOTH parties want to remove or restrict our 2A rights. Mr. Thompson is the ONLY choice if you believe in the right to keep and bear arms and the right of self defense.
Posted by: Dave in St Pete | October 29, 2007 at 10:16 AM
Dave
Your magazine and the subsequent blogs did awonderful job in flushing out the Edward's position on bothe the environment and the Second Amendment. Maybe you guys could do likewise with some of the other candidates. On another note, I am a Viet Nam Veteran and I'm heartsick that I can't vote for one of my compadres for president. It was the longest war in our history. Isn't there someone out there from my generation who respects what our Founding Fathers wrote?
Jack
Posted by: Jack | October 29, 2007 at 10:35 AM
All those countries want to tell us what to do when they can’t even fix their own toilet and not only that, when they get a bloody nose, who do they call?
Put the UN building in France where it really belongs and let them deal with it!
And our troops are being used by the UN for their personal gain!
During my Air Force carrier, I made it clear I will not put on a blue hat and have the UN patch on my uniform, period!
Posted by: Clay Cooper | October 29, 2007 at 10:55 AM
Fred is correct. (So is David)
Apparently David and his blog are "new media". I suppose the monks said the same thing about Gutenberg.
"New media" seems the best method for disseminating this type of info. Yet, I will continue to read FSODT. (Field and Stream On Dead Tree)
Posted by: jack | October 29, 2007 at 11:20 AM
You say "Mr. Henke has sent us the following statement...". Is the statement Mr. Thompson's? If so, who was he making it to?
Posted by: Steve C | October 29, 2007 at 11:52 AM
The U.N. serves no purpose in this world. Toothless sanctions against ruthless dictators.
As for the U.N. building being used for a high rise in NY, call Donald "the combover" Trump, I'm sure he call sell it.
Posted by: jstreet | October 29, 2007 at 01:05 PM
Apart from the Food and Agriculture Organization, the United Nations is a magnet for the most venile low-lives on Earth.
Posted by: Mike Diehl | October 29, 2007 at 01:08 PM
So far I don't see anything attributed directly to F.Thompson here.
Posted by: Ken M | October 29, 2007 at 01:08 PM
On every subject Fred has demonstrated a full understanding to look to the founding fathers views for his approach on the question at hand...the man just "gets-it".
I am firmly and energetically voting for Fred Thompson and I urge every citizen who holds our Constitution and our values dear to do the same.
Fredipedia;
http://fredipedia-us.blogspot.com/
( A single page list of direct links to everything available about Fred. )
ABC Radio Network Archives - The Fred Thompson Report
http://abcradionetworks.com/Blog.asp?id=15663&m=7&y=2007
Principles of Fred Thompson
http://www.fred08.com/Principles/PrinciplesSummary.aspx
Official website;
www.fred08.com
Posted by: Chris | October 29, 2007 at 01:10 PM
Hey all -
I just did some background checking and found the subcommission's statements requiring violations of the US 2nd Amendment.
Link: http://www.iansa.org/documents/salw_hr_principles.pdf
Finer points of subcommision moral depravity:
"10. In order to ensure the protection of human rights by preventing small arms violence by private actors,Governments shall enact licensing requirements to prevent possession of arms by persons who are at risk of
misusing them. Possession of small arms shall be authorized for specific purposes only; small arms shall be used strictly for the purpose for which they are authorized. Before issuing a licence Governments shall require training in proper use of small arms, and shall take into consideration, at a minimum, the following factors: age, mental fitness, requested purpose, prior criminal record or record of misuse, and prior acts of
domestic violence. Governments shall require periodic renewal of licences."
"15. In light of the obligation of a State, under international human rights law, to prevent human rights
violations, States are required under international law to rovide, upon request, assistance, for the purposes of judicial proceedings in other States, in the provision of information regarding the ownership or purchase of small arms and light weapons in the former State."
Posted by: Mike Diehl | October 29, 2007 at 01:21 PM
To clear up any confusion: Mr. Thompson authored the statement. His new media advisor sent it to us to post as an exclusive.
Posted by: The Eds. | October 29, 2007 at 01:24 PM
Boy, what an opportunity for confusion here! This is "Paul Henke" of the Thompson Campaign, not "Paul Helmke" of the Brady Campaign.
Posted by: Kevin in Florida | October 29, 2007 at 01:38 PM
Despite what the NRA would have you believe, you have a better chance of seeing a martian walk across your front lawn than you do seeing a UN disarmorment squad walking door-to-door in the U.S. confiscating guns. Is this because the UN's stance on gun control is overhyped? Jesus, Allah, and Buddah... NO! The UN is by far the most anti-gun organization on the planet and it's heads wet themselves every night imaging a world in which the only firearms are in their possession.
But as Dave and many others have said, the UN is imcompetant beyond belief. Sort of a mixture between the Keystone Kops and the Gestapo. What scares the hell out of me are American politicians who are more than willing to tot the UN gun-control line. THEY are the scumbags who actually have the ability to severely cripple the 2A.
Anyway, Thompson in 2008!
Posted by: Matt | October 29, 2007 at 01:55 PM
I made up my mind to vote Fred '08 the minute he was rumored to run. All the other flacid Republicans and ALL the Dems are weak on 2A rights, state's rights, and individual rights.
If we fail to elect Fred, we shall all be sorry.
Posted by: WA Mtnhunter | October 29, 2007 at 02:00 PM
The mindnumbing audacity to threaten our sovereignty leaves me wondering whether I should be laughing in these pig's faces or break my foot off where their sun doesn't shine...maybe both.
Posted by: Winghunter | October 29, 2007 at 02:02 PM
Fred's own site (www.Fred08.com) attributes the piece to Fred as written exclusively for David Petzal's column here. For me, that makes it plenty authentic.
I know it's amazing with so many candidates in the mix this season, but Fred Thompson really is the only one who seems to get it. He is interested in the future of our great nation, not in building a name for himself. He sees what we see, and he sees what the rest of the world will see through history. His vision for the USA is neither unique nor original; it comes from the Founding Fathers, and is shared by millions of ordinary citizens across America. What is original and unique is that this vision is held by someone willing and able to step out of a comfortable and satisfying life, into the windmill of American politics, in order to better his fellow citizens' prospects for the future.
Posted by: Pastor Dan | October 29, 2007 at 02:02 PM
Looks more and more likely Mr. Thompson will get the vote from us. I myself are starting to lean heavily that way. On the U.N., They will never dictate to me as an American citizen!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: | October 29, 2007 at 02:08 PM
Last comment was mine Greg in AR.
Posted by: Greg | October 29, 2007 at 02:09 PM
Fred is the only candidate that covers all the issues. He supports not only the US constitution, also Fred will continue to pursue terrorists, to keep America safe from outside threats, and secure the borders.
Posted by: Paul | October 29, 2007 at 04:03 PM
Fred isn't doing too well in the primary. If he loses big in Iowa, what little steam his campaign has will quickly blow away. I like the guy but he comes across as lethargic and his speeches don't seem to fire up the crowds. Mike Huckabee seems to be syphoning off a lot of conservative voters in Iowa right now.
What surprises me is that there are actually people posting who are falling for John Edwards little "hunter/fisher rights bill". Yes, all politicians are liars, we know the repubs are good on guns and bad on the environment, and yes both parties stink, but this latest move by Edwards is the most disingenuious act ever. The people who are falling for this should realize that Edwards is sitting back laughing at them saying to his staff: "See guys, I told you these outdoor guys are suckers". His first act after releasing this proposal was to call PETA and say "Don't worry folks, it's all a lie, I'm just trying to survive the Iowa primary and keep my campaign afloat."
Posted by: Rob | October 29, 2007 at 04:11 PM
For Jack....There is a Republican running with Viet Nam experience. His name is Duncan Hunter, and he was an Army Green Beret. His son is currently on active duty serving in Afganastan with a previous tour in Iraq. He is the most conservative person in the race. He's very pro-military, having been the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and now serving as the ranking minority member.
SKCM(SS), USN Retired
Cam Rahn Bay, RVN 1970
Posted by: Russ Snyder | October 29, 2007 at 04:29 PM
Clench your guns tightly.
Pick spots to peep into your yard.
A cellar will provide a sanctuary.
When they come to steal our AR's.
If the time is not now.
To rise and defend ourselves, our heritage and our freedom.
Then when?
Posted by: Tommy | October 29, 2007 at 04:35 PM
I dare anyone to come for my guns.
Posted by: Tommy | October 29, 2007 at 04:35 PM
If they get to them - they will be empty - without ammo anyway.
And very hot.
Posted by: Tommy | October 29, 2007 at 04:36 PM
Can I get a...
Posted by: Tommy | October 29, 2007 at 04:36 PM