While reading news on Brian Aitken I found this story.
Its a short “public interest” type story, so it doesn’t have all the pertinent details, but it sounds like he was modifying pennies so vending machines were thinking he was dropping dimes. Sounds like he got probation and a felony charge. Also to add to the story he served in Viet Nam during the war. Now after living clean for so many years he wants a gun. President Obama has pardoned him so his felony conviction will no longer flag him on a background check.
That’s my one big beef with the Gun Control Act, I understand the Libertarian talking point that if somebody can’t be trusted with a gun, they shouldn’t be walking around. (also they shouldn’t be trusted behind the wheel of a car, or with a kitchen knife) that being said I wonder if we have the prison system to lock up or execute EVERYBODY who fits that bill.
First up, people making bogus currency to essentially rob vending machines is not a nice person, but given that it is simply a dishonest crime, not a violent one, I really don’t see why I would mind if they had a gun or not. Same with Martha Stewart’s alleged perjury (I say “Alleged” only because memory can be bad, and you can improperly remember things very easily), or say a college kid getting nailed bringing his stash of marijuana to a party.
Sorry these people mean no harm, they just aren’t following the law. Obviously the GCA should have only exempted VIOLENT felonies. Bernie Madoff? Dangerous only with your money. OJ Simpson? Just plain Dangerous…try to keep your fingers clear of his mouth!
Still there is this means, as impractical as it is, to restore your rights.
