Dear Sheriff Allen:
My name is Arthur Schaper, and I am a resident of the state of California. My communication with your office may seem strange, but I think my comments are essential.
The country is well-aware of New Mexico Governor Lujan Grisham’s outrageous, unconstitutional order regarding concealed-carry and open-carry permits and self-defense actions in your county:
I should not be the first to tell you this, but she clearly does not have this authority.
The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution could not be clearer:
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
This amendment applies to all governments throughout the United States because of the Fourteenth Amendment:
All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
I understand that you have made a preliminary statement in response to this unconstitutional order:
I urge you to make a clearer statement that your office will by no means recognize, comply, or enforce Gov. Lujan-Grisham’s order.
This is an unconscionable power-grab with fraught implications for all American citizens. I urge you to show the state of New Mexico—and the country—your leadership on this issue and openly defy the governor, reminding her that she is a steward of the people, not their sovereign.
Thank you for time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Arthur Schaper