Terry Pearson for Minnesota House

Terry is a strong supporter of gun rights.

The right to bear arms is one of the most fundamental individual rights outlined in our constitution. It exists, not only for the sportsman, but for the protection of the individual and his country.

Your right to bear arms ultimately stems from the God given right of self preservation. The second amendment of the United States Constitution is a promise that the United States will honor this right of the individual citizens to bear arms.

Anyone who wishes to change the meaning of the second amendment dishonors our country and our founder’s intent.

Action needed in Minnesota

• Constitutional Amendment – Minnesota is one of a handful of states that do not yet have a right to bear arms defined in their constitution. This needs to be one of  the highest priorities of our state government in the upcoming legislative sessions.
• Protect and expand “shall issue” and “conceal and carry” laws – Minnesota’s relatively new “shall issue” laws are a step in the right direction for gun rights. However, more work needs to be done to ensure that all citizens have the right to bear arms. For families of modest income, the costs of classes and permitting can be more than they can afford. We need to simplify the laws and reduce or eliminate the fees charged by the issuing counties for such permits. It seems silly that something that is considered to be your right, can only be attained by paying a high fee to a government office.
• Eliminate Gun registration – In a free society, there are some things that could possibly do some good, but end up doing more harm in the long run. People argue that gun registration helps track down criminals, but more often than not, the criminals simply do not register. Furthermore, it violates the right to privacy of the individual. The constitution does not say that citizens have the right to keep and bear arms as long as they give up the right to privacy. The rights are separate, distinct, and not up for negotiation. Minnesota needs to make sure our laws reflect that.
• Castle Doctrine – Minnesota needs to join the growing number of states to institute the castle doctrine. The concept of the castle doctrine is that an individual has the right to defend, with deadly force if necessary, his property, family, and residence. Minnesota’s current laws favor the criminals by forbidding the victim from using “excessive” force in repelling an attacker. This was seen most clearly recently on the crosstown greenway. A jogger was mugged by two large men and used deadly force with a pocket knife. The county attorney had considered charging the jogger in this incident. Let’s restore common sense in Minnesota law and allow citizens to defend themselves.
• Hunting and Fishing- This has been a part of Minnesota’s culture since man first set foot in our region. Many a family enjoy taking part in fishing and hunting every year in Minnesota and we need to make sure that we preserve these rights for generations to come. Terry will continue to support laws that preserve this right.