Oregon

According to the definitions in this bill, "terrorism" (punishable by life imprisonment -- no provisions for lesser sentences) is defined to include a number of very broad activities, including "disruption" of public assemblies, commerce, transportation systems, schools, or government institutions. The bill indicates that "conspiracy to commit terrorism" is itself an act of terrorism.

It's obvious that these definitions are so broad that even peaceful protests fall easily under the definition.

OREGON'S SENATE Bill 742, section 19, chapter 666 (here) defines the "unlawful labeling of a sound recording" as terrorism and would make it punishable by a minimum life sentence of 25 years in prison without parole. After 25 years (if they're fortunate) the state might allow them to find "employment at a forest or work camp" or other similar "post prison supervision".

This is just disgusting.

Ameri and Phillips agreed that the Social Security system should be changed, that the assault weapons ban should remain in place, and that space exploration should not be a priority when the country is in an expensive war.

The Senate adjourned this evening shortly after 8pm Pacific time agreeing to continue debate tomorrow on S 1805, the "gun liability" act. As predicted, many anti-gun amendments have been added to the agenda. That's the bad news. The good news is, that as a result of these added complications, the debate will go on for some time giving everybody time to contact Senators Wyden and Smith and repeat that we will accept NO more attacks on gun rights to pass this bill. And, it looks like the many messages the NRA has been getting to stand firm and make no deals are having an effect. Please keep it up.

Not long ago conventional wisdom was that the "assault weapon" ban was a dead issue. Now, as a result of deal making, it is very much alive. The "Brady Campaign" is boasting that they have sent over 100,000 e-mails to the Senate in the last day. While we never believe anything they say, we know they are working night and day to push their agenda of gun confiscation. Now is the time to make your voices heard.

There can be NO deals on gun rights associated with this bill. If the "assault weapon ban" is renewed it will be permanent. Now is the time to kill it.

If you're from Oregon, here's your chance to contact your senators.

... and I think it's just about a perfect decision for most gun-rights folks, with the minor quibble that it's referencing the state Constitution and it's appropriate protections for the right to arms, rather than the nationally-relevant 2nd Amendment.  He summarizes the conclusions thusly:

1. The state right to arms is an individual right (rejecting the state's claim that it was some manner of communitarian, i.e., collective, right);

2. Even felons are within its scope (citing a 19th century statute that created a lien on felon's property, but exempted their firearms from it); but

3. The prohibition on felons owning is a reasonable regulation of their right.

In other words; yes, it's an individual right; yes, felons are protected; but yes, the legislature can reasonably restrict felons from possession of arms.

To use a popular comparison, this is like saying a convicted counterfeiter can't own a high-quality printing press.  It's somewhat onerous, but requires conviction for a serious crime first.   My main objection is that it's getting easier and easier to become a felon; even so most people won't be at serious risk during their lifetimes. 

Now, if only we could get the Supreme Court to issue a similar ruling.