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Late last month Republican state Sen. Jim Honeyford, R-Yakima, introduced a bill that would make wearing masks, hoods, and bandanas around your face a gross misdemeanor. Wow.

The bill was written in response to the May Day protests that happened in Olympia this year which resulted in damage (perpetuated by rioters) to property downtown.

There are some exceptions included in the bill: Halloween costumes, religious garb, and people protecting themselves against cold weather would all be exempt from arrest.

Embolden violence?

Honeyford says that he believes anonymity emboldens protesters to commit violence under the guise of political speech, as their identities are protected. Protesters, he says, have become a threat to public safety.

First of all, lets all remember that the First Amendment of the Constitution the supreme law of the land protects the right of protesters to peaceably assemble. Of course, the bill is meant to target the not-so-peaceful participants, but Sen. Honeyford has failed to recognize that many other protesters (who are not rioters) also wear face-coverings during protests in order to protect themselves from potential retaliation.

Therefore, says the American Civil Liberties Union, this bill is a direct infringement upon First Amendment rights.

Encroaching upon constitutional rights isnt even the most annoying thing about Sen. Honeyfords absurd proposal. Like the vast majority of Republicans, Sen. Honeyford is an avid supporter of gun rights. As we all know, the Second Amendment protects gun ownership.

Glaring hypocrisy

Before I go any further, I want to ensure all of you who are now red in the face that I am personally in favor of the Second Amendment as well, regardless of how liberal I am on other issues. What I am not in favor of is hypocrites.

The bill reads that it is meant to target a small but dangerous group of individuals who conceal their identities while committing illegal acts and that it is common sense legislation. Sounds familiar, right? Pretty bold of him to use those arguments, unless he really hasnt made the connection which says a lot about the man.

Democrats dont even have to think of a response to this bill because they can just borrow from the other side. All people shouldnt be punished for the actions of a few, The majority of [these people] are peaceful citizens, Criminals are going to commit crimes regardless of the law, This right protected by the Constitution, you anti-American scumbags!

Like I said, Im not attacking your right to own guns Im just pointing out the glaring hypocrisy.

In addition to claiming that theyre dedicated to upholding the Constitution, Republicans also claim to want to stop overreach of the government. Scale it back, they say. Government needs to keep its nose out of our business! Does that only apply only to conservative business though? Or will Republicans fight for the rights of all Americans? Shouldnt that be their platform if they truly want to make America great again?

I am relieved to see, however, that no other Republicans have (yet) signed on to the bill as a sponsor. This is somewhat uplifting and gives me a tiny, tiny bit of hope. Sen. Honeyford is facing an uphill battle in order to even get a hearing at this point. Regardless, if I have learned anything in the last six months its to never dismiss anything, no matter how ridiculous.

I am personally in favor of the Second Amendment as well, regardless of how liberal I am on other issues. What I am not in favor of is hypocrites.

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Read more:
Don't sacrifice 1st Amendment rights for ridiculous proposal - Chinook Observer