Kerry Signs UN Arms Trade Treaty, Canada Refuses

Posted on September 25, 2013 by Dean Garrison

We all knew this was coming so now we rely on our legislators to attempt to block the UN Small Arms Treaty which was signed earlier today. The concern is of a backdoor gun registry being created, among other possibilities, which further infringes upon the second amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.
Fox New reports:

Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday signed a controversial U.N. treaty on arms regulation, riling U.S. lawmakers who vow the Senate will not ratify the agreement.
As he signed the document, Kerry called the treaty a “significant step” in addressing illegal gun sales, while claiming it would also protect gun rights.
“This is about keeping weapons out of the hands of terrorists and rogue actors. This is about reducing the risk of international transfers of conventional arms that will be used to carry out the world’s worst crimes. This is about keeping Americans safe and keeping America strong,” he said. “This treaty will not diminish anyone’s freedom. In fact, the treaty recognizes the freedom of both individuals and states to obtain, possess, and use arms for legitimate purposes.”
U.S. lawmakers, though, have long claimed the treaty could lead to new gun control measures. They note the U.S. Senate has final say on whether to approve the agreement.

What are “legitimate” purposes Mr. Kerry? Does anyone else trust this administration or our legislators to make those decisions? I certainly do not.
Keep in mind that republicans have not been the only party against this measure, with a good number of democrats also dissenting, and it sets up a huge battle of the Obama administration against the U.S. Senate. The Senate voted against the treaty already in June but there were 46 votes in favor.
Hats off to Steven Harper of Canada who is not necessarily a popular figure in his country, on many fronts, but he has taken a hard-line to stand for the gun rights of Canadian citizens.
The Huffington Post reports:

The Harper government faced sharp criticism Wednesday for its continued refusal to sign a landmark treaty to regulate the global arms trade.
A group of non-governmental agencies, called the Control Arms Coalition, said it was frustrated and disappointed that the government did not follow the United States and more than 90 other countries in signing the Arms Trade Treaty.
Meanwhile, the federal NDP accused the government of indulging in conspiracy theories because it continues to express concern that the treaty might have an impact on lawful gun owners within Canada.
The criticism was unleashed after Secretary of State John Kerry signed the treaty on behalf of the U.S. on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
Kerry called it a “significant step” in keeping the world safe.

Again, kudos to Steven Harper. And, unfortunately for Americans, John Kerry and Barack Obama just don’t seem to get it.
Shall not be infringed!

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