Reps Flores-Thatcher Add Names to National Gun Rights Lawsuit

The lawmakers believe problems related to a gun regulation law in Washington, D.C. could find their way to Oregon.

(SALEM, Ore.) - State Representative Linda Flores (R-Clackamas) and State Representative Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer, Newberg, St. Paul) added their names to a new effort to overturn the ban on handguns in the nation’s capitol.

The National Rifle Association filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court and Representatives Flores and Thatcher are among dozens of women legislators across the country showing their support for the brief.

"On behalf of NRA members in Oregon and all across the country, I would like to thank State Representatives Linda Flores and Kim Thatcher for their support of the Second Amendment and an individuals right to own firearms," said Chris W. Cox, NRA's chief lobbyist.

"The American people ― whether Democrat or Republican, urban or rural ― know that the Second Amendment was not written to give a right to the government, but rather to guarantee the fundamental right of individual citizens."

Representative Flores noted, "this may seem like an issue impacting a city on the other side of the country, but if we erode gun rights in one community, we erode them for all of us." Both Flores and Representative Thatcher have been strong supporters of the Second Amendment and sponsored legislation in Oregon to protect gun owners.

"The crime rate has only gone up since the D.C. ban took effect. Law abiding citizens have a right to defend their families from harm," explained Thatcher.

Last fall the Supreme Court agreed to review the case of several residents of the District of Columbia challenging current D.C. gun regulation.

The current law includes a prohibition on the possession of any rifle, shotgun, or handgun unless it is registered, even in the home. However, the law forbids the registration of any handgun after 1976, and requires a license to carry a registered handgun in the home. Such licenses are never given.

There is no exemption for self-defense or defense of others, nor is there any recognition that such a ban on handguns and readily available long guns likely disproportionately harms women.

An appellate court struck down this law as an infringement of the right to keep arms in the home guaranteed by the Second Amendment. The District of Columbia is trying to reverse the appeals court. If successful, a victory for D.C. would provide legitimacy to similarly restrictive gun regulations in other cities across the nation. This case is the first time since 1939 that the Supreme Court has been willing to consider a challenge to a firearm law.

Salem-News.com Top Stories

2025: Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst

Two Wars with No Way Out

No One Owns the Future

The Ugly Origins of Trump's America First Policy

A One-State Solution Could Transform the World

Comments Leave a comment on this story.

All comments and messages are approved by people and self promotional links or unacceptable comments are denied.

Wendy Weinbaum February 13, 2008 10:52 am (Pacific time)

As a Jewess in the US, I want to remind all that America wasn't won with a registered gun, and that criminals are stopped not by talk, but by FIREARMS. That is why all REAL Americans put our 2nd Amendment FIRST!!

Jefferson February 13, 2008 10:49 am (Pacific time)

Well Joe, I'm sure you realize what the majority opinion is on this subject?

Ron February 13, 2008 9:21 am (Pacific time)

Joe is right and we should not have freedom of speech on TV because they were not around at the time the Constitution was signed.Also we should only be allowed to produce newspapers on printing presses that were around when the Constitution was signed.You should be allowed to tap any phone any time you want because they were not around when the Constitution was signed.Joe is right!!

jim February 13, 2008 8:03 am (Pacific time)

Hey Joe, the National Guard is not the militia, it is supplied their weapons by the Government. The Militia are moreorless minutemen who come into the fray with their own weapons and it doesn't include f-16's or tanks, clown..

Vic February 13, 2008 7:42 am (Pacific time)

Joe, it is incorrect to assume that all gun-rights people are Republican/Right Wingers...I certainly am not, nor any of my friends, who all value their 2nd ammendment rights and in many cases, have guns because of their distrust of the govt. And to say that the second ammendment only applies to the firearms available in 1792, would mean that the right to free speech on TV, radio or the internet is not covered because they did not exist then either.

Dan February 13, 2008 6:29 am (Pacific time)

According to Joe February's logic, the 1st Amend (Free Speach) only covers the spoken work, and newspapers. It doesn't cover TV, Radio, and the internet!! I'm pretty sure the Fathers didn't forsee them! So I guess we can ban them all over the country. I would also guess that Joe will disagree. Joe, don't even start about how guns are dangerous and media isn't. If you do I will be forced to mention all the cases of sex offenders contacting kids via internet. Or TV's influence on the youth of today. Talk about dangerous! Get a clue people, firearms in the hands of honest citizens save more lives than they harm. Take it from personel experience. I still have faith that our highest court will get it right. Thanks for listening, and nice try Joe. I like a good discussion.

tom ca February 12, 2008 10:32 pm (Pacific time)

Hey Joe, I'm a democratic and my party is embarassing.....All your reant and raves about powder and automatic weapons mean nothing to me, You break into my house and you're going to be history with all your legal mumbo jumbo. I can almost guess your party..Think about it Joe, If someone breaks into your home break out your musket. LOL

Joe February 12, 2008 9:12 pm (Pacific time)

Read the Second Amendment. It was meant to protect the States' Militias (National Guard), not NRA idiots. I'm all for safe gun ownership, if you own a musket. Remember RepubliCONS, you originalists like the Constitution interpreted as it existed in 1792. Semi-autos didn't exist, so that means you can't have them. Black powder muskets are okay, so load up the old ball and cap. Or, perhaps you RepubliCONS only apply original interpretations to issues people really care about. Remember to DUCK! when you see fellow NRA member Dick Cheney.

grimmace February 12, 2008 8:53 pm (Pacific time)

OORAH!! These role models should be supported by their generation and the generations to come.

T J K February 12, 2008 6:21 pm (Pacific time)

Wish there was more like those two, in the Oregon legislature. Bravo!!

E B A, LLC February 12, 2008 9:50 am (Pacific time)

Finally! These two will have my vote and support for a very long time! It's funny how armed, law-abiding citizens are hardly ever "victims." For once, I'd like to hear the courts, politicians and judges say that it was the criminals fault and not blame his or her actions on their drug use, lack of "programs", mental defects or whether they were hugged too much or not enough or had a sneaky uncle.

Jefferson February 12, 2008 9:22 am (Pacific time)

All of Oregon's representatives should get on board with these two excellent leader's. I am so proud of them!

tom ca. February 12, 2008 7:45 am (Pacific time)

I totally agree with both JD and JB .....

JD February 11, 2008 10:11 pm (Pacific time)

Glad to see this. Why haven't more of our elected representatives added their names to the list? If I recall correctly, Florida changed their gun laws about a year or so ago to make it easier to own a gun and carry a concealed weapon. Their crime rate has gone down. We live in a semi-rural area with little to none law enforcement patrols. We have 1 shotgun, 2 rifles and 2 hand guns hidden in different areas around the property. These all are loaded (no round in the chamber)and ready to use should someone decide to attempt to break in. An intruder is not going to wait while you go find your ammo and load your weapon.

JB February 11, 2008 8:06 pm (Pacific time)

Good for them, highest per capita gun related murder rate in the nation but handguns are banned?? When guns are outlawed only outlaws have them.

[Return to Top]