On 01/17/2013 Sheriff McComas drafted a position letter as it relates to President Obama's proposed Executive Actions related to gun control. This is the position of Sheriff McComas:
1. I support of the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights and State Constitution in their entirety.
2. I do not support gun control in any manner that restricts the 2nd Amendment.
3. I will not support Federal legislation or action that violates local and state laws.
I agree with the statement released on January 16, 2013 by the National Sheriff Association:
(1) Closing background check loopholes to keep guns out of dangerous hands;
(2) Working with prosecutors to vigorously prosecute those that commit crimes with firearms;
(3) Making schools safer by enhancing security and working with school administrators in planning for critical incidents;
(4) Increasing access to mental health services for at risk patients.
I add to those statements two additional needs:
1. The responsibility of our courts to protect its citizens from those that violate the law.
2. Our citizens to accept their responsibilities under our current laws.
Recent national concern that has evolved in part by recent tragic events involving firearms should not be allowed to foster a movement toward restricting the rights of our citizens.
The actions by our federal government whether agreed with or not should be a reminder to all of our citizens that it is our responsibility to insure that our voice is heard from the local level, up and through all levels of national government. This isn’t a new concept and every citizen should exercise the privilege of contacting their respective representative at any time to share how they feel and believe about ANY issue to which we face.
Quite often citizens have shared their feelings regarding “no rights for the victim” and “too many rights for the accused criminals” and from a law enforcement perspective we would agree. However, most laws are determined by the majority of our citizens. If the citizens have ignored their right and opportunity to speak out, for or against, then it is time to change how we do business.
Equally important is to remind our citizens that the safety and security of our homes, families and property has not changed. As responsible citizens we should always be considerate of protecting ourselves from those that are not law abiding. Our current local, state and federal laws provide for that right.
Local, state, federal and even private industry have always provided training, education and resources that are designed to help our citizens be safe but actually stepping forward to use that resource is the responsibility again of our citizens.
Please know that all Sheriffs by oath should always support the rights of the citizens. As your Sheriff, I commit to you to do just that. Erosion of our Constitutional Rights must be prevented through a positive and united position.
Rick McComas, Sheriff
Klickitat County
