Klamath sheriff slams lawmakers over gun control bill
The sheriff of Klamath County is mincing no words when it comes to a proposal before state lawmakers to expand background checks for private gun sales.
Here’s the statement issued Wednesday by Sheriff Frank Skrah, in full:
“:While I, as Sheriff of Klamath County, support keeping guns out of the hands of ” CRIMINALS ” this legislation (SB–941) appears to be nothing more than a further infringement upon those who wish to exercise their Second Amendment Rights.
“Some may disagree with me, but I feel “Big Brother” need not know who owns a firearm. There are those in both state and federal government service who want that information and the compiling of information as to who owns a gun is not doing the peoples work.
“As a cop for almost forty years I have seen and heard those who are vehemently opposed to lawful possession of firearms. We, in Oregon, presently have laws on the books to deal with criminals and guns.
“We don’t need new laws to check the background of those who have the legal right to own a gun. We conduct background checks on those who “carry” (Concealed Carry Handgun Permits) and we do a very good job in that endeavor.
“Upping the ante and requiring more Government Intrusion is not needed and not wanted by the vast majority of good hard working folks.
“If I sell or give a gun to my neighbor should I or my neighbor be subject to a background check? My answer to that rhetorical question is a very firm NO !
“Typical of government is to stack another law upon us! Folks in Salem: ….. We have that little obscure document called the United States Constitution.
“It might be good for those in the state Legislature (as well as Washington D.C.) to look at that document. Read down to the Second Amendment: The right (our right) to keep and bear arms! ….. Without bureaucrats trying to make more decisions for us. I, as the Sheriff of Klamath County, will use the laws that are presently on the books to do my job.
Senate Bill 941… NO THANKS !
Stay safe,
Frank Skrah, Sheriff
