Last week it was reported in the New York Times that New Orleans law enforcement officials had ordered that all private citizens would have their personal firearms confiscated. ABC News also reported that the New Orleans deputy police chief said that,
'No one will be able to be armed. We are going to take all the weapons.'
After going to the devastated city and assessing the situation, the National Rifle Association (NRA) has decided to pursue legal action against New Orleans authorities. Earlier today, the NRA filed a motion in United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana that sought a temporary restraining order to block police from confiscating citizens' firearms. NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre said,
'New Orleans is the first city in the United States to forcibly disarm peaceable law—abiding citizens and it must be the last. Victims are dealing with a complete breakdown of government. At a time when 911 is non—operational and law enforcement cannot respond immediately to calls for help, people have only the Second Amendment to protect themselves, their loved ones and their property.'
At a time when the people of Louisiana have been poorly served by their local and state leaders, the last thing they need is to have their only means of protection taken away from them. Let this be a lesson to all of us the next time we go into the voting booth.
Doug Hanson 09—23—05
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