The Libertarian Party has begun an ad push to encourage the repeal of “tragically failed” gun-free zones around schools.
The party, which made its strongest showing yet in last fall’s presidential election, has already aired more than 150 radio spots nationwide recorded by radio broadcaster Dusty Rhoads.
All of the ads are being paid for with targeted donations and bought through competitive bidding to pay as low as $5 for a radio spot.
“We have a rare opportunity here. We can make America freer by repealing the tragically failed ‘gun-free” school zone laws,’ said Geoffrey Neale, party chairman, in an appeal to supporters today. “By going on the offensive, we also have a better chance of preventing more executive orders and legislative restrictions. Imagine if freedom fighters in 1912 had run an End the Fed campaign. Or a campaign to end marijuana prohibition in 1937.”
Freshman Republicans Steve Stockman (Texas) and Tom Massie (Ky.) each introduced bills to repeal the “gun-free” designation for school campuses on the first day of Congress.
“By disarming qualified citizens and officials in schools we have created a dangerous situation for our children. In the 22 years before enactment of ‘gun free school zones’ there were two mass school shootings. In the 22 years since enactment of ‘gun free schools’ there have been 10 mass school shootings. Not only has the bill utterly failed to protect our children it appears to have placed them in danger,” said Stockman, formerly a one-term congressman in the 1990s.
“A bigger federal government can’t solve this problem. Weapons bans and gun free zones are unconstitutional,” Massie said. “They do not and cannot prevent criminals or the mentally ill from committing acts of violence. But they often prevent victims of such violence from protecting themselves.”
Massie voted for libertarian Rep. Justin Amash (R-Mich.) for speaker.
Also read: ‘Less Lethal’: Good Intentions, Dangerous Results
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