The below is an open letter to the Burrillville Town Council.
I am writing in opposition to item 23-099 from the Town Council meeting on March 22, 2023, which reaffirmed the resolution declaring the town of Burrillville to be a 2nd amendment sanctuary town (first) adopted April 24, 2019. This last resolution is specifically written as a proclamation in opposition to pending Rhode Island 2023 gun control legislation. I especially disagree with the position urging the General Assembly to repeal Rhode Island General Law 1-47-60 which prohibits possession of firearms on school grounds.
On April 13, 2022 the town council adopted a resolution opposing potential 2022 gun control legislation. Three important gun safety bills were passed and signed into law by Governor McKee on June 21, 2022. In response to a complaint filed by a Glocester firearms dealer and four local gun owners requesting an injunction on the legality of the 10 limit magazine ban, Chief Justice McConnell of the US District Court of RI found that the ban is both “reasonable” and “measured,” and that the plaintiffs failed to persuade the court that the law is unconstitutional.
The United States has the highest levels of gun ownership in the world, surpassing second place Yemen by 120.5 per 100 residents compared to Yemen’s 52.8 per 100. It is no surprise, sadly, that the US also leads in worldwide mass shootings by a large margin. A good guy with a gun does not stop mass shootings, as was proven overwhelmingly in Uvalde, Texas, where 376 law enforcement officers responded and waited for one hour and 15 minutes after first shots were fired before killing the shooter who legally purchased 2 AR-15-style rifles shortly after his 18th birthday and murdered 19 children and 2 adults.
As reported in the Boston Globe article on January 18, 2023 the man who stockpiled over 200 guns, including untraceable ghost guns, who is currently incarcerate specifically stated he moved to Burrillville because of our status as a 2nd amendment sanctuary town.
We ask you to rescind the three 2nd amendment resolutions that you have passed. Let’s move our town back to a peaceful and welcoming environment where business is encouraged and families can thrive in our beautiful town.
Fred Hunt
Chairman, Burrillville Democratic Town Committee
A coworker of mine who defected from Poland during the reign of communism had one thing to say…”Don’t ever give up your guns.” Her family had their business taken over by the government and they were instantly thrust into poverty. Of course, the guns were confiscated first, so there was no fighting back. To those who don’t think that small arms are effective against the government, remember that Aghanistan just defeated the USA with nothing but small arms. Primarily AK-47s. Don’t EVER give up your guns. Burrillville is a beacon of hope from our liberal, overreaching leaders who have a huge thirst for power and control.
I totally agree with Mr. Hunt. The town of Pascoag, where I grew up, and the Township of Burrillville, has become the laughing stock of the state, the country, and even the world. Even the phrase “Second Amendment Sanctuary” is ridiculous. And to the voters of Burrillville, you should elect a Town Council that represents the voters there, not just a minority right-wing faction. Your town will be better for doing so.
“Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” – Ben Franklin