Sanders County Sheriff Tom Rummel issues statement on gun control
<p>Sanders County Sheriff Tom Rummel stands strong for the statement released earlier this week that detailed his view on gun control and his devotion to uphold his oath to defend the Constitution of both the United States and state of Montana.</p>
SANDERS COUNTY - Sanders County Sheriff Tom Rummel issued this statement for the citizens of Sanders County on Jan. 22, and the Clark Fork Valley Press was asked to publish the statement for county readers to see in order to learn the stance of Rummel regarding the issue of gun control. Below is Sheriff Rummel’s official statement:
Ladies and gentlemen of Sanders County: By now you are all well aware of the grievous criminal event that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary. I am sure you are also aware of the proposed gun control rules and regulations the President is considering in wake of this tragedy.
The intent of this statement is to clear up any doubts you, the law-abiding citizens, may have on my stance on gun control and the Constitution. I have taken an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and the state of Montana. Myself and my deputies take the responsibility very seriously. Our right to self defense is first and foremost, and God-given. This right is then protected in both the United States and Montana State Constitutions.
My duty as Sheriff is make sure you, the citizens, are protected from the criminal, whether that criminal come with a weapon, or a pen.
There is also a broader spectrum that needs to be considered. Once this line is crossed and the integrity of the Constitution has been compromised, where does this stop? Are our freedoms of speech, religion, press and assembly next to fall by the mere stroke of a pen?
I do believe history is replete with the consequences unarmed citizens have suffered at the hands of a despot. Heaven forbid that we as citizens of the greatest nation the world has ever known would suffer the same.
I, therefore, want you to know that myself and my deputies will not enforce any federal regulations enacted by Congress, or executive orders of the President circumventing the Constitutional rights of the citizens of Sanders County. So help me God.
In your service,
Tom Rummel
Sanders County SheriffÂ