Tensions boil over as Scott imposes gun control on law-abiding Vermonters

Michael Bielawski/TNR

CONTENTIOUS SIGNING: As Gov. Phil Scott signed a trio of gun control bills into law, hundreds of Second Amendment supporters offered boos and chants, including shouts of “traitor!”

MONTPELIER, Vt. — If the irate crowd that turned out Wednesday to watch the signing of controversial gun control legislation at the Vermont Statehouse is any indication, Gov. Phil Scott may face an uphill battle towards re-election this November.

The three bills the governor signed after giving a lengthy speech were prized gun-control targets that for years were unthinkable in Vermont, one of the safest pro-gun states in the nation.

The most controversial legislation, S.55, imposes background checks on private gun sales, sets a 10-round magazine limit for rifles and 15 rounds for pistols, bans bump stocks, and raises the firearms purchase age to 21.

Two other bills, H.422 and S.221, call for confiscation of guns in domestic violence situations or if a judge determines a person to be a dangerous risk to himself or others.

Starting at 2 p.m., following a loud round of chants and boos, Scott opened his speech by explaining the chain of events that led to him break his campaign promise of not enacting new gun laws.

Michael Bielawski/TNR

Gov. Phil Scott, standing on the steps of the Statehouse, spoke for more than 20 minutes to defend his decision to enact gun control on Vermonters.

“On February 16, I was in my office preparing for the day ahead when everything changed. That morning, I was handed a document containing charges against an 18-year-old outlining his detailed plan to carry out a school shooting here in Vermont,” he said, referring to the foiled school shooting in Fair Haven by a disturbed teenager.

That event occurred two days after a mass shooting at a Parkland, Fla., school left 17 innocent people dead.

“As I read the 13-page affidavit, I was alarmed to learn just how close we came to the same tragic fate the people of Parkland faced,” Scott added.

Prior to mid-February, the governor had pledged not to sign any bill that violates the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution or Article 16 of the Vermont Constitution, which assert the right to bear arms.

Yet as Scott signed the sweeping gun control legislation in front of the Statehouse, he said he was keeping his promises.

“I want to be absolutely clear: I believe these measures will make a difference, and I firmly believe each and every one of them is consistent with both the United States and Vermont constitutions.

“I took an oath to uphold those documents — an oath I take very seriously. If I thought anything in this legislation limited Vermonters’ rights, I would not sign it.”

At a couple of points during his speech, Scott had to pause as jeers grew so loud and intense that the governor’s words were barely audible from within the crowd, even over the loudspeaker system.

RELATED: Top lawmakers warn Gov. Scott against signing S.55 gun control bill

Among those unhappy with the governor was Cody Goebel, of Island Pond, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the war in Afghanistan.

“Half of his speech was contradictory — he talks about how both sides aren’t communicating, but we’ve come and tried to talk about how there could be better laws to actually help school safety,” Goebel said, alluding to the bills’ failure to address active shooter situations.

Ted Tedesco, a retired Marine Corps major from Woodbury, said he’s done supporting Scott.

“I will not vote again for Scott at any time for anything in the future,” he said. “We are fed up with politicians saying one thing and doing another.”

Mark Young, of Lyndonville, carried a sign pointing out the irony that armed guards were protecting the governor and lawmakers on the steps for this signing. He also had a cardboard knife sticking out of his back, expressing his sense of betrayal.

“I’ll never support Phil Scott again,” he said.

Multiple people at the signing indicated they were considering running for office as a result of the day’s events.

Christopher Covey, of Williamstown, who organized a gun rally in South Burlington over the weekend, said he will seek office.

“For the Orange-1 seat in the House I’ll be running as a Republican, and I’m hoping to get on the ballot within the next two weeks,” he said.

Peter Briggs, of Addison County, said he is running for a seat in the Senate.

“[Scott] broke his promises big time, because I heard him say ‘no new gun laws.’ He emphatically said that every time campaigning,” Briggs said.

Among those in support of the governor was Patty Meriam, of Barre.

“I came to support the Republican governor for having the courage to sign and support common-sense gun laws,” she said. “I think Phil Scott is a very reasonable man and he’s worked well with the Democratic legislature, and I think we need more of that in this government. So I came out to thank him for that.”

She suggested she would support additional legislation on top of what was signed Wednesday.

“Data shows that stronger safety laws save lives. And so, those laws do that,” she said. “The background checks particularly are valuable. I am in support of registering, licensing and insuring guns to ensure public safety.”

Another person in the crowd who supported Scott was Jud Lawrie from Essex Junction.

“I’ve been working on common-sense gun legislation since 2013,” he said. “It’s been a long, hard slog, so I’m delighted to be here to watch the governor sign some meaningful legislation.”

On which of these bills will make the biggest impact towards preventing a mass shooting, Lawrie said, “It’s hard to tie them to mass shootings. We’re not at the heart of that problem yet. Those tend to be the big weapons —  the AR-15s and so forth. But through background checks, if you can prevent a few people from acquiring these weapons, I think maybe [shootings might be prevented].”

At the end of his speech, Scott acknowledged that his actions will cost him political support.

“I recognize how hard it is for some to understand my change of heart on our gun laws, let alone come to the same conclusions I’ve reached, and that many who voted for me are disappointed and angry,” he said.

“I understand I may lose support over the decision to sign these bills today. Those are consequences I’m prepared to live with.”

Michael Bielawski is a reporter for True North Reports. Send him news tips at bielawski82@yahoo.com and follow him on Twitter @TrueNorthMikeB.

Image courtesy of Michael Bielawski/TNR

80 thoughts on “Tensions boil over as Scott imposes gun control on law-abiding Vermonters

  1. The thing that saddens me the most , is that S55 will do nothing to deter another shooting . The Governor should have stepped back and looked at other states and observed what actually works and what does not . Even law
    Enforcement has indicated that S 55 will not deter Another shooting in Vermont. Ask anyone in Fair Haven , how
    Secure these bills have made them feel . We have to improve security in the schools . We have scanners and metal detectors in our court houses , and armed personnel , so we should be willing to do this for
    Our children and teachers .
    I am deeply disappointed in the folks in Montpelier who pushed an agenda through instead of using their heads and trying to look at what would actually help . I think it’s a knee jerk reaction .
    If there is anger and frustration that is observed within the People of Vermont , I believe it is because no one has been willing to listen .
    I will not vote for someone that refuses to listen to their
    Constituents.

    • Basically our Supremes have decreed that zero crime was committed. The progressive Supremes complain that the Progressive legislature has not perfectly defined “Attempt”, so nothing happenned here.

      So the 100,000 legal law abiding conservative gun owners are taking it between the cheeks, and no crime has been committed. Great ending here!

      300,000 Vt guns have never shot anyone, nor been used in crime.

        • He,the would be school attacker is now charged with two misdemeanors that total three years.

          However not to fear Vermont’s self esteemed RINO and his legislature are crafting a new law that holds stiffer penalties for the crime of thought.

          Still No action to procure school security !

          However the RINO and his legislature felt free to violate the people of Vermont’s Constitutional rights.

  2. Tom, thank you for your very difficult and honorable service to our country! Your mission highlights an excellent example of one of the most important aspects of firearm ownership by the citizenry, deterrence.

    The left “asks” what do you need an AR-15 for?
    One major answer is: so you never have to use it.
    And, the more who own them, the less likely there will ever be a need to use them. Scott’s bills erode that protective envelope.

  3. Dr. Kaufman

    you asked.

    “By what authority can the state confiscate legally purchased and owned private property without compensation?”

    After some thought and googling this is the answer whether it comes to magazines or so called bump stocks,the answer remains the same.

    The last clause of the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution requires “just compensation” be paid if private property is taken: “…..nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.” This rule takes private property – bump-stock-type devices or magazines – for the alleged public purpose (a use) of reducing crime. Forced destruction of private property is a taking, and all the more odious since owners of that property were assured of the legality of that property by your designated authority prior to acquiring it. The just compensation provision of the Fifth Amendment has always applied to U.S. Government actions and so you have no authority to abrogate any section of the U.S. Constitution by fiat.

  4. Would any of these laws have stopped even one of these tragedies?

    I too believe that the Governor will now, and forever, be a Star of the Left due to his act of sincere bravery, “such a beacon of courage & sensibility”, aka, a lasting political calculation. No doubt quite profitable in his post political life, e.g., a book, speaking engagements, television talking head appearances, etc.

    I shall be voting to ensure Governor Scott is a One-n-Doner like Peter Smith.

  5. Who do you vote for if you don’t vote for two timing Scott? No other Pro Second Amendment candidates running.

    • Lee

      I beg to differ,I guess you failed to see my post regarding Scott’s replacement.

      Below is a e mail from Keith Stern who is running against Scott for the primary,BE SURE TO VOTE !

      Governor Scott violated his campaign promises,oath of office,Vermont and Federal Constitutions,as such he should be turned out of office.

      He will Never receive any vote from me,for any office including dog catcher.

      This is from a e mail I received from Mr. Keith Stern yesterday.

      Oath Breaker Phil Scott signs unconstitutional S.55 bill

      Stern For Governor of Vermont

      A Note From Keith
      Keith Stern for Governor

      I will state forcefully and absolutely right here that if the governor illegally signs the unconstitutional S55 bill that as governor I will order my administration to not enforce it. The oath that I will have taken binds me to protect and defend the Constitution. I am sick and tired of elected officials cherry picking where the Constitution is their guide. When the McCain-Feingold campaign finance bill landed on his desk then president George W. Bush said as he was signing it I don’t believe it’s constitutional but I’ll let the Supreme Court decide. Wrong answer W. I am not looking to start an administration on an antagonistic situation but if that is the case so be it. The Constitution trumps being liked and being popular. If the legislators want to be able to work with me then they will have to repeal S55.
      Keith

      Keith Stern for Vermont Governor

      https://www.vermontgetsstern.org/#

      https://m.facebook.com/keithsternforvermontgovernor/

    • What difference does it make who we vote for when the Governor we voted for BETRAYED what is surely a significant portion of his supporters?

      At the outset, I want to be crystal clear that I am not interested in demeaning our cause with name calling. That said, Governor Scott has shown himself amendable to political opportunism, i.e., opportunity over promise and principle.

      In addition, to the best of my understanding, the choice of action(s) he chose to follow are meaningless in terms of stopping the events he passionately cited as his reason for his course of action.

      Which to my mind verifies his choice as a political calculation.

      To your question: we need to find an acceptable candidate or hold our noses and vote against Governor Scott to send he and those who support him an unmistakable message. As it is likely that various authoritarians will cross over during the GOP Primary to reward the Governor, the most effective option remaining is to vote for his least objectionable opponent in the general election. Of course that would need be a coordinated effort, i.e., collectively voting for a single alternate candidate.

      The VtGOP will naturally argue against this course of action but at least the rank-n-file -like the majority of us who faithfully worked & voted for Phil Scott- won’t be taken unaware to learn we have an Opponent in Chief of Vermont traditions in the Governors seat.

  6. There is no such thing as common sense gun laws period. There is no gun laws on the books that stop criminals from doing anything. Fact.

  7. I suspect that Scott and the legislators that backed these unconstitutional bills have had there “war chests” greatly enriched by out of state Bloomburg money. I wonder if there is a way to check to see just how much money was funneled to their accounts and how much of it was legal. Just like most of todays politicians, if you want to know the source of anything they do, follow the money.

    • I don’t think Phil did it for money. He did it for power in the form of support from the left, who dominate Vermont politics.

  8. On a very personal note and relating to this agenda. History: When 18 I was subject for the draft, Woodstock the Selective Service Board. I had to go into the military in 1958. NO IF OR BUTS! Joined the AF and was assigned to be with KC-135’s refuelers and transferred to B-52’s. Flew on both, hazard duty, and constantly on alert. We were in the Cold War with the Russians and Khrushchev banging his shoe in the UN.. Eisenhower & Kennedy were presidents, during the start of the Vietnam War. In the B-52’s were 4 Nuke bombs, we flew 24 hour alert duty. I also participated in aerial refueling, many times. Just after I got out the Cuban Crises took place, close to Nuke War. My brother was on a destroyer with direct line to the White House. Remember Kennedy’s TV talk.

    Many B-52 & B-47’s were involved all around the globe. At that time we were within 15 seconds of total Nuke war, both in my time and Cuban.

    Cuban Crises, see Vasili Arkhipov https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasili_Arkhipov Google more about this guy at https://www.google.com/search?q=russian+sub+commander+andre+V&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b-1
    One tile: You (and Almost Everyone You Know) Owe Your Life to This Man.

    Given that people in the military age below 21 can take up arms and fight, but can’t have arms in VT. Just how stupid can Montpelier get????

    I and my brother put our lives on the line for this country and the current gun grabbers in VT. These idiots survived because of military people; US and VT history and people’s sacrifices. I was lucky, I lived. Now they are controlling my firearms. Protecting me from myself in reality.

    The “ME Generation” and “Flower Children” are in control, can’t you tell. Promises mean nothing.

    Given their tax policies they desire to tax me off my land, been fighting them. What is their final desires to transform the state—to what? People have moved, how are they to attract business, another just left for TN.

    This will be overturned. Keith Stern is my hope, a Vermonter and from my HS town, like past Governors.

    • Tom, thank you for your very difficult and honorable service to our country! Your mission highlights an excellent example of one of the most important aspects of firearm ownership by the citizenry, deterrence.

      The left “asks” what do you need an AR-15 for?
      One major answer is: so you never have to use it.
      And, the more who own them, the less likely there will ever be a need to use them. Scott’s bills erode that protective envelope.

  9. S.55 prohibits new acquisition of magazines over a set limit of rounds after October 1, 2018. I believe the magazine capacity limit is 15 rounds for handguns and 10 rounds for rifles.

    Magazines owned prior to October 1, 2018 are “grandfathered”.

    The “assurance” the Governor gave at the bill signing that he was not taking away any firearms was a misleading sound bite. Buy a mag over the limit after October 1, 2018 and you can be prosecuted, fined, imprisoned, and gain a criminal record.

    Further, bump stocks legally purchased and owned before October 1, 2018 will be confiscated under the new law without buy back compensation. By what authority can the state confiscate legally purchased and owned private property without compensation?

    Scott has referred to automatic weapons as illegal. They are not, but require obtaining a tax stamp from the federal government. Bump stocks do not require such a tax stamp.

    • “By what authority can the state confiscate legally purchased and owned private property without compensation?”

      They,the legislature and governor do not have that authority and should be part and parcel of any court action.

  10. At the last Governor election, two final choices emerged, Scott and Minter. The final winner Scott ran on no gun control. Minter ran on gun control. The good Republican lost in the primaries.

    From Wikipedia: “After the 2015 Colorado Springs Planned Parenthood shooting, she (Minter) called for universal background checks on gun sales in Vermont, a position later taken up by her rivals. She also supports a ban on assault weapons.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sue_Minter

    Sue Minter was from PA, RI, MA not a Vermonter. I believe she lost on the gun issue in 2016.

    Scott’s turn coat stance now parallels Minter’s for a knee jerk emotional isolated incident to become a gun control junky. Gun control in Vermont is like oil and water, they don’t mix, Scott doesn’t know, or he is being paid off, no common sense person reacts immediately to an incident without fully understanding the ramification(s) for all, in his position. Is he for the people or himself and the Socialists? I don’t see stability in the Governor’s office. Signing bills into law based on emotion. Good thing he isn’t close to the Nuke button.

    • Ironically…if the FBI and the various law enforcement agencies in Florida had responded as the law enforcement of Fair Haven did, which was to actually investigate the reported concerns of students and teachers…the Parkland shooting would have never transpired.

      Ironic because Vermont Police took the correct course of action and yet Vermont is passing more stringent laws than Florida has.

  11. The jeers that were so loud and intense that they overpowered the traitor on the loudspeaker was called “The Majority.” Those are the people who have had enough of the liberal bull#*&! from “The Minority.” They have sat back and been silent while liberals have been loud and obnoxious and chipping away at American values for far too long. This latest assault on the 2nd Amendment has woken them up. “The Majority” will not let “The Minority” take away the 2nd Amendment or their guns. Things will get ugly.

  12. Just thjis morning we earn that the little Bas%^&d who bought a gun legally and was completing a plan to shoot up his former high school in Fair Haven…….

    ….Was turned free pending trial by our Liberal Supreme Court – (Brigham Decision on schools, – mandated.) And Why? They say the progressive legislature has not described “attempt” well enough to include buying a gun – legally – and having a detailed plan to kill as many classmates as possible. So we have a progressive liberal Supreme Court complaining about our progressive liberal Legislature.

    SO – let the criminal run free – let him run – let him complete his detailed scheme. Pending trial for “nothing” ?

    And NOW – the answer is to penalize 100,000’s of gun owners + force them to give up their rights to own common weapons, rights to sell firearms, rights to defend themselves. Basically blame and punish the Conservative, self respecting law abiding gun owning citizens. Estimated 300,000 guns which have never been pointed at a person

    • The criminals are in charge of the asylum for sure. Too bad you cant RECALL your lying backstabbing S.O.B. of a Governor.

  13. The Governor’s explanation as to his change of heart was a decision he made, regardless of consequence (to him) he says, of doing something instead of doing nothing.

    One of the first, albeit difficult lessons I learned as a young physician during Internship and residency was the guiding maxim “first do no harm”. Emotions can move a person to want to do something seeing trauma or illness, but the trained (full in the blank – police officer, airline pilot, surgeon, etc) specialist who carries the fate of other people in their hands must rise above emotions. Too often, we young physicians learned our emotional response was leading us to make the wrong decision and hurt the very person we’re trying to help.
    Doing “something” instead of nothing was too often the Wrong choice!

    This is also true for Vermont legislators and our Governor. Their actions can have grave consequences. On reflection and after hearing from Vermonters the Governor outlined a number of measures that may make school children safer, Vermonters safer. Importantly, none of these helpful measures were contained in the 3 bills he signed and certainly could have stood on their own merit. They were not connected to nor dependent upon the bills. Governor Scott should have stopped there. Instead, by signing these bills he First DID HARM!

    Phil Scott has now unleashed in Vermont the progressive and inexorable descent towards firearm confiscation that’s been growing in this country. Instead of saving lives by signing these bills he has endangered the very children he sought to help and in doing so had endangered is all.

    • Great letter and an even new perspective on the topic. We really need to clean house in our House and Senate.

  14. No gun laws will stop evil ! Look at evil people who use a knife or a car to commit evil crime. All you’ve done Scott is hurt law abiding citizens with your three signatures. Signatures that won’t stop someone who doesn’t care about the law! Republican or Democrat, either way your a tru disappointment and I hope for sake come November your replaces by someone who keeps word !

  15. Democratic Legislator Martin LaBlonde (formally of MI) of S. Burlington must be very giddy smiling and hop scotching back to his home after Scott passed his bill. Likewise Ann Braden (Gun Sense VT), and the Chittenden bunch, et al.

    There’s really another gutter (swamp) society that’s behind it all. The Gov and Socialist Dems are merely pawns. I’ve read many articles and connecting the dots. Basically, why does a very safe state go to such controlling extremes? Some of the comments herein noted with parts touching on the problem. Basically segments:

    1) THIS IS ONLY THE FIRST STEP TO THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF DISARMAMENT
    2) I smell Bloomberg money
    3) Somebody’s money grease this man’s hand..

    I have noticed in some newspapers about Sept / Oct just prior to election, many letters to he editor generally state (seems written by one person) that “I know Sussy Q or Johnny Q since they were young. They were very caring people, vote for them”. Well Sussy and Johnny Q gets voted in. Then their attitudes change and become pied pipers to the power in Montpelier and to hell with the voter, no common sense or caring, zombies. The powers are schooled by outside influences and to disperse (it’s) their agenda.

    The gutter swamp are outside powers that seek control of every aspect of human lives and counties, a One World Order. The UN is also behind it. During the voting times, the UN was allowed to monitor state elections.
    Look up and see who’s in the New World Order. Given all that’s happening and politicians turning coat, makes one wonder. Outside powers and money. Bloomberg and Soros are a couple. Gun Sense VT is a recipient of this money under the disguise of “being caring about Newtown”. Take away people’s guns and their ability to defend themselves and prevent tyranny. It’s just what Hitler did, and Stalin, and Mao, and Ho Chi Min, and the Khmer Rouge. It led to tens of millions being slaughtered.

    These stupid “feel goodie” laws will NOT stop people from having guns. It will NOT stop crazies from killing people. The US Constitution & VT Construction guarantees these rights. Socialist dumb legislators and the Governor (Scott-Moonbeam of the East & CA Moonbeam Brown) will not harness law abiding people of their basic right. Time for a swamp change in VT. But I don’t think snowflakes and many “me generation” will understand the truth.

    I believe some astute commentators herein should concentrate on the global aspect as to what’s happening. Then confrontation to sop this crazy madness can shed the light on the cockroaches that hide when the light hits them. Make their lives miserable, they are doing it to us. They are certainly sinking VT.

  16. At the end of his speech, Scott acknowledged that his actions will cost him political support. “I recognize how hard it is for some to understand my change of heart on our gun laws, let alone come to the same conclusions I’ve reached, and that many who voted for me are disappointed and angry,” he said.

    Not your change of heart Governor. You gave your word. You knew exactly what you were doing.

    • This has all been planned. They have already mapped out the next 5 moves. They do what they want, despite what the people want. They should be lined up and publicly hung for treason

      • In Vermont’s Constitution the penalty is perjury.

        Text of Section 56: Vermont Constitution. Each and every legislator voting for this bill or similar bills violates their oath to defend and not harm the constitutional rights of Vermonters under the pains and penalties of perjury!

        Oaths of Allegiance and Office

        Every officer, whether judicial, executive, or military, in authority under this State, before entering upon the execution of office, shall take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation of allegiance to this State, (unless the officer shall produce evidence that the officer has before taken the same) and also the following oath or affirmation of office, except military officers, and such as shall be exempted by the Legislature.

        Federally the penalty is a bit stiffer.

        https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18

  17. Among those in support of the governor was Patty Meriam, of Barre. “I came to support the Republican governor for having the courage to sign and support common-sense gun laws,” and “Data shows that stronger safety laws save lives. And so, those laws do that,” she said.

    Two problems here. First, who exactly gets to define “common sense.” Often those who use the term the most possess the least of it. Second, the gun controllers frequently say “data shows” but they don’t show you the data.

    Should it surprise anyone, especially the gun controllers that law-abiding citizens do not want their rights taken by people who have no idea what they are talking about?

    • Robert is right. And when you read Everytown’s data, the “studies” gun opponent activists often cite, you see manipulation of studies and of statistical analyses. For accurate statistical treatment of the topic, and by its title an excellent rebuttal to Party Meriam’s allegation, read “More guns, less crime: understanding crime and Gun control laws” by Dr John Lott. Another excellent statistical treatment of the issue, but an easier read for the non-scientist, is Dr Lott’s book “The war on guns: arming yourself against fun control lies”.

    • There’s another problem – Why do we in the United States have more Armed Federal Agents than active duty US Marines? Why are they allowed to wander among us with access to select-fire AR’s, carrying multiple 30 rd magazines and those firearms are referred to as ‘Personal Defense Weapons’?

      If a certain brand of firearm is classified as ‘Personal Defense’ for the employees of the State and the Federal Government, I not only want, but demand, access to the same system.

      • Amen brother!
        Just what the framers had in mind when the gave the “2nd Amendment”, in “The Bill of Rights” and “Section I, Article 16 of the Vermont Constitution”.
        They didn’t limit this right to some imaginary lesser version such muskets only or single barrel shotguns for limited hunting use, or limited personal protection if the Government allows it.
        Go and read what was listed as arms they went for.

        Nope, very clearly in the attempt to disarm the Torries who were against the New American People and their fight for independence from the King of England, in Pennsylvania they were to be disarmed by those Armed Militias of Free Men.
        How can the people be expected to be able to honor and fulfill their 2nd Amendment rights & duties if you have states and local municipalities, governments preventing them from access to same arms that would be used against them by the government they need to be able to reclaim power from

    • Oh yes, the more gun laws, the safer the children. I guess the hood rats in Chicago haven’t taken the time to read their own laws. Chicago is now the murder capital of the US, followed closely by Baltimore. A few other winners are Camden, NJ, Washington DC, NYC. Just a coincidence I guess, but they have the stricktest laws in the country.
      Hmmm, who would have guessed that. Now maybe we’ll be able to join that lofty group. Well done ex-Governor. .

  18. Yes, Scott reneged on his promise and deserves to be tossed. But remember the source of this and many other problems, the socialist legislature. Election of a governor who promises to thwart their agenda is only temporary relief even if he stays true. They just wait for the next election. The downhill slide to tyranny will continue until the ideological composition of the legislature is permanently changed by the voters.

    • Start by getting rid of Bernie and Leahy – its not rocket science! Get rid of the Communist influence! It boggles my mind how you Vermonters keep voting those losers in

      • Problem is not enough Vermonters vote.
        Walk around Chittenden County and listen to the New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, etc. accents and it will dawn on you who did vote in those liberals.
        As to where our legislators came from, go to:
        https://legislature.vermont.gov/people/all/2018 …… click on the politician’s name and read their bio to see where where they came from.

        • Is the figure still about 70% neither born nor raised in the Vermont of Vermont legislators(as widely reported during the bicentennial in ’91)?

  19. Let this be the start of a relentless campaign of opposition — an out and out WAR — to not only restore our freedoms, but to offensively gain even more of them back, and not just in the arena of gun rights. The Left have had their way with Vermont for over half a century. The time to begin ending that is here and it is now.

  20. Oh wait, it gets worse, now they are considering making possession of any amount of heroin or almost any drug a misdemeanor .Where are we going and why am I in this handbasket?

  21. Governor Scott violated his campaign promises,oath of office,Vermont and Federal Constitutions,as such he should be turned out of office.

    He will Never receive any vote from me,for any office including dog catcher.

    This is from a e mail I received from Mr. Keith Stern yesterday.

    Oath Breaker Phil Scott signs unconstitutional S.55 bill

    Stern For Governor of Vermont

    A Note From Keith
    Keith Stern for Governor

    I will state forcefully and absolutely right here that if the governor illegally signs the unconstitutional S55 bill that as governor I will order my administration to not enforce it. The oath that I will have taken binds me to protect and defend the Constitution. I am sick and tired of elected officials cherry picking where the Constitution is their guide. When the McCain-Feingold campaign finance bill landed on his desk then president George W. Bush said as he was signing it I don’t believe it’s constitutional but I’ll let the Supreme Court decide. Wrong answer W. I am not looking to start an administration on an antagonistic situation but if that is the case so be it. The Constitution trumps being liked and being popular. If the legislators want to be able to work with me then they will have to repeal S55.
    Keith

    Keith Stern for Vermont Governor

    https://www.vermontgetsstern.org/#

    https://m.facebook.com/keithsternforvermontgovernor/

  22. What is enlightening is the comments by pro S55 people that this is a good START and they would support additional legislation. THEY GOT TH’ERE FOOT IN THE DOOR LETS SLAM IT SHUT . Repeal S55 , vote all the traitors OUT

  23. they all should be working on lowering our taxes!!! but no lets change gun laws that don’t need changing great job!!!! our politicians failed us again!!!

  24. Does a Vermont-based pro-Second Amendment group plan to litigate? I am prepared to donate to that cause.

    • Yes, The Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs is spearheading litigation. There is a GoFundme link on Gun Owners of Vermont’s Facebook page.

    • Nick, you should know that the Gun Owners of Vermont (http://gunownersofvermont.org), Vermont Federation of Sportsmens Clubs (http://www.vtfsc.org) worked tirelessly to support and defend our rights daily in the legislature. I saw the presidents of both organizations at the statehouse yesterday and both looked like they literally hadn’t slept in days! We can not thank nor repay them enough for the work these groups do on our behalf. Also playing key roles are the NRA and Vermont Traditions Coalition.

  25. What do campaign promises mean? What is their worth? Not just Governor Scott, but the House and the Senate that we gave to Republicans based on passionately sworn campaign promises to accomplish specific goals, promises upon which a sufficient number have turned their backs to enable the far more unified Democrats to defeat the bills that would accomplish those promises. Will this turn us into Democrat voters? Of course not, but it does dampen the enthusiasm for turning out at the polls which can turn the outcome of an election. Why bother? The promises are empty words. With the Democrats in power once again, the Republicans regain their time worn excuse for inaction. I can’t but be suspicious that many Republicans we elected are as Progressive as the Democrats, they just don’t want to take the blame for it.

    • Maybe it’s time to sue elected officials who break campaign promises for fraud? I call it bait and switch. Let’s hit them in the pocketbook.

      • Text of Section 56: Vermont Constitution. Each and every legislator voting for this bill or similar bills violates their oath to defend and not harm the constitutional rights of Vermonters under the pains and penalties of perjury!

        Oaths of Allegiance and Office

        Every officer, whether judicial, executive, or military, in authority under this State, before entering upon the execution of office, shall take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation of allegiance to this State, (unless the officer shall produce evidence that the officer has before taken the same) and also the following oath or affirmation of office, except military officers, and such as shall be exempted by the Legislature.

        The Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance

        You do solemnly swear (or affirm) that you will be true and faithful to the State of Vermont and that you will not, directly or indirectly, do any act or thing injurious to the Constitution or Government thereof. (If an affirmation) Under the pains and penalties of perjury.

        Then Federally there is USC Title 18,which penalties are a bit more severe than perjury.

  26. Stormy Daniels and Phil have something in common and that’s what they are willing to do for money.

  27. Phil Scott made a promise to those that fought hard to get him elected and that promise was he would never pass any new gun laws in the safest state in the nation..

    Somebody’s money grease this man’s hand..

    He will go down in Vermont history as the worst Governor ever..

    Vermonters you need to start to wake up and see who is investing money in those that’s sold us down the road..

    The Socialist legislators under the golden dome have taken dirty money and are using it to destroy our beautiful state..

    More to come. More to come

  28. Are they coming for our guns that have more than a 15 round capacity ? ???? Are they ????

    • Not this time but maybe next time. This is just their foot in the door.
      We’ve got to get rid of those liberals and our lying governor.

    • Gee, I was hoping they’d have a PO Box where we could all just mail ’em in. My S&W 9mm came with 2 “high capacity” 16 round mags. So if I can’t mail ’em in, am I a criminal? I’ve already returned the AR that I’ve had for years as being defective. It sat on the bench all that time, and never assaulted anyone. Obviously defective…

      • After 24 years in uniform, honorably upholding the Constitution of the United States of America, if this State and the liberal dolts controlling it want to declare me to be a criminal – I welcome it. I haven’t returned anything, never had a ‘boat accident’ and keep buying more every month just because I can.

  29. I’d like to ask Patty Merriam what data? Like the new data that London exceeded the murder rate if NY the last two months?

    • Merriam, obviously, has never checked the data from Chicago – the most ‘gun controlled’ city in the country.

  30. So the State now has three new guns laws, that will do nothing on protecting our Schools
    as stated by the Governor !! . He stated that he was really ” shaken ” with the news referring
    to the foiled school shooting in ” Fair Haven ” by a disturbed teenager……..

    Well Governor here’s some more bad news one of your ” Liberal Judge” just Let the this
    deranged fool walk , Now that should shake you !!!!!.

    So Governor you listened to your Liberal Legislators and passed these feel good bills
    that have tainted your thinking process . Crazies & Criminals never follow the law but
    law abiding Vermonters will …………. SAD day in Vermont !!

    Wake up Vermont, we are over run by ” Liberals ” in the State House , now that gives
    a whole new meaning of ” Mental Deficiency ” as seen by these new laws .

    • Hmm, sounds as though a little troll in Fai Haven might have been paid to “threaten” a school shooting with the deal being no judicial penalty and sum placed in his college fund account. That would scare the BEJEEZUS out of the voters setting up this chain of unfortunate events. Makes you wonder the tactics Progressives would implement to attain their goals.

      • Really? Do you believe that ‘progressives’ would ever do that? Like Sandy Hoax CT? Hmmm, I wonder…

    • It’s a crying shame that none of these public officials can be sued for the outcomes they encourage.

  31. Data shows stronger safety laws save lives? What kind of safety laws? And what data is that? None of this makes sense. Hope Thunder Guv is ready to find a new job because his political career here in little ole Vermont is over.

  32. The only thing you have done traitor Phil is make law abiding citizens criminals! The fact that you are mentally ill enough to even say this will help to prevent anything is enough for you to be immediately removed from office! It would be one thing if we didn’t have a state full of corrupt police officers that have proven time and time again they can and will do whatever they want regardless of the law because they know they are never held responsible for their actions! The state police choose who they will help, what calls to respond to including robberies in progress, They harass, and assault people they deem to be “troubled” because we won’t allow them to just trample over our two constitutions and they are the most likely to murder someone for no other reason then they have learned they can!

    People complain about Trump but at the very least he has kept his promise to not impose infringements on our constitution and had the back bone to stand up to people that coward instead of standing up for common sense!

    I hope the day comes soon where you are forced to leave your protection detail behind MR. Scott, and I pray on that day you find out just why we care so much about what you’ve done! I hope the state police or other closest officers tell you, like they do better than half this state, it’ll be 45mins before they can get there, if they bother at all and by god I hope your guns are locked in a safe with the damn ammo somewhere else, maybe just maybe then youll get to see the big picture because you bet your ass the intruder more than like will not be someone, like the ones of us protesting and will be someone that’s not supposed to have a gun due to whatever reason.

    November can’t get here soon enough and I hope you look as disappointed with the turn out as we are hoping for when you pack your bags and remove you treasonous ass from the state house!

  33. If news of shootings that occurred in States 1500 miles away with over 20 million people and gang cultures are all it takes for a 60 year old man to erratically alter his stance on the constitutional rights of rural Vermont, I seriously question this man’s competency. He had done nothing to increase safety and only chipped away at the few liberties we hold sacred and as reason enough to live in VT as opposed to the horrible places south of us. These libtards have zero logic since if their goal is to save lives they would be going after pistols and not giving a damn about rifles. All these bills did was start the process of turning ordinary Vermonters into outlaws. If only the 300,000 flatlanders could do the right thing and move back to the States they came from instead of attempting to further destroy ours with their posted signs and constant threats to our Vermont traditions.

  34. This bill did nothing to protect the kids in school or to keep guns out of criminals this s.55 bill only hurt the law abiding citizens and phil is a liar and backstabber to his own people. If you read his saying that the kid In Fairhaven was mentally unstable. Vermont put in a law a while ago about mental health people and they dropped the. Ball on reporting it to the FBI after the hospital sent there paper work to the state I can not believe this state anymore if you look up the top ten most safest states vermont is number 2 we where 3 now its gonna be less because if this new law. This law does nothing to keep criminals from getting guns or drugs

    • But through background checks, if you can prevent a few people from acquiring these weapons, I think maybe [shootings might be prevented].”

      “Maybe and might” do not sound like a sure thing to me. Grasping at anything they can get to get their repressive, controlling foot in the door.
      Remember in November!

  35. I’ll never support Phil Scott again. He did nothing to protect school safety and is an idiot to think these laws will prevent mentally deranged from getting or having guns. Especially raising the age to buy. VT is one of the safest States in the union for non gun violence.

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