Dear Mr. Security Agent

[tarheelsman71]

I might have said this before somewhere else, but I will say it again. I believe that there are 10% of LEO's and .mil types that will follow orders to the letter. That means that 90% will not. In the military, there was always that 10% that SNCO's and NCO's harp about. In life it is no different. I would say 10% of the people in the US are legit preppers of some respect. But of those 10% I would gather that 9% were probably former LEO's, and .mil types that have seen depravity of a society on a personal level and understand just how bad a situation can get. That 10% of LEO's and .mil types, that would try to confiscate, will be hampered by the 90% that wont, will not make it easy. In the end, it will be the guys in the blue hats that will attempt to pick up our guns.

[jimmycthemd]

Think about this, also. If the ban is federal and the state legislators do not pass a corresponding state law, the federal government can not constitutionally force state law enforcement to enforce federal law. That is how Colorado and Washington states have 'legalized' marijuanna. It is still against federal law to posses or use the drug, but the federal government cannot force the state to enforce the law. That is left up to the feds.

The flip side of that coin; the states cannot constitutionally prevent the feds from enforcing federal laws. If the BATFE wants to enforce the gun laws and try the suspects in federal court, then the state cannot legally stop them. With no corresponding state law in effect, state/local cooperation with federal law enforcement in these matters is strictly voluntary and your mileage may vary from state to state.

[Benn Gleck]

I'll have to side with Matt on this one. Let's get real. The LEOs (and FLEOs) in general are everyday folks with a job to do. They are a cross-section of our culture. They are the ones we call when we're in trouble, curse about when we get traffic tickets (c'mon, be honest LOL), and I, personally refuse to villify them as a whole. There are good ones, marginal ones and crappy ones.

If you think that the assault weapon ban or more pervasive background checks are going to lead to a civil war, think again. Think the previous AWB and Brady bill. There was a lot of talk and threats but nothing real happened. I'm not, by any streach, in favor of the current legislation being considered. Don't blast me about that. I've been around long enough that, although I'm as mad as anyone about the current situation, I'm a realist when it comes to what will or won't happen.

I saw no villification in the essay. What I saw was a warning

I realize that cops are just like us, a cross- section of America with good, bad and indifferent. They do the job that they are paid to do. I DO NOT curse them if I get a ticket I deserve. (being honest)
I however am not going to glorify them for doing the job they are paid to do. Just as I don't glorify the mechanic that works on my truck or the kid giving me my happy meal at McDonalds. I'm polite and I thank them but thats it.

I do not think the current situation will lead to a civil war. I do think that this time is different than the last though. We have a communist/socialist president siezing on the deaths on innocent children to take away our God given right to self defense, that along with an economy that is at great depression levels combine to make this country ripe for trouble. And I think that if Matthew Bracken wants to provoke thought about the way the .gov keeps chipping away at our 2nd amendment then he should be commended for it not berated.

[slingshot]

I want to appoligize to the LEO's and military here on this board. I was not pointing to this letter written by Matt Bracken to disparage anyone. I know most LEO's and military will uphold the Constitution when/if needed and I'm pretty sure all those on this forum would do what is right if it comes down to it. I hope none of us have to make that decision.

Nobody owes this old retired cop (25 yrs,) and 6-year army guy any apology! I understood your point (even with my befuddled old brain!)