Oregon sheriff to VP: I won't enforce any new gun laws
ALBANY, Ore. - The sheriff of an Oregon county sent a letter to Vice President Joe Biden on Monday saying he and his deputies would not enforce - nor allow federal officials to enforce - any new federal firearms laws in his county, according to a copy of the letter posted on the Linn County Sheriff's Office website.
"Politicians are attempting to exploit the deaths of innocent victims by advocating for laws that would prevent honest, law abiding Americans from possessing certain firearms and ammunition magazines," Sheriff Tim Mueller wrote in the letter dated January 14, 2013. "Any federal regulation enacted by Congress or by executive order of the President offending the constitutional rights of my citizens shall not be enforced by me or by my deputies, nor will I permit the enforcement of any unconstitutional regulations or orders by federal officers within the borders of Linn County, Oregon.
"In summary, it is the position of this Sheriff that I refuse to participate, or stand idly by, while my citizens are turned into criminals due to the unconstitutional actions of misguided politicians," Mueller said.
Crook County Sheriff Jim Hensley said Tuesday he sent the same letter to Biden that was sent Monday by Linn County Sheriff Mueller.
Hensley told KTVZ officials should consider other factors that may have a role in mass shootings, such as violent video games.
Reached by phone on Monday afternoon, Mueller said he decided to write the letter after he and his deputies kept hearing questions from Linn County residents about their positions on the gun control debate.
“I told my deputies, ‘Hey look, I’m not going to turn otherwise honest citizens into criminals because of some misguided efforts from the U.S. Capitol,’” Mueller said.
He added he wants to “let people know that we’re here to stand up for them.”
“Whether it’s the Second Amendment or the First Amendment, it doesn’t make any difference to me. It’s just that I don’t think Congress should enact any of those types of restrictive laws and regulations, be it from Congress or executive order, that offends the constitutional rights of otherwise responsible and honest citizens,” Mueller said.
The sheriff compared his decision to not enforce any potential gun laws to the restrictions on local law enforcement from enforcing federal immigration laws.
He said if his deputies are told not to enforce those federal laws, it’s unreasonable to expect them to enforce any federal gun laws.
Mueller said he’s heard from a few critics already, but they were all from outside Linn County. As of 9:45 p.m. on Tuesday, the Facebook post with the letter had more than 28,000 shares and 23,000 “likes.”
“That’s the good thing about this country. We can have decent conversations that go back and forth without resorting to name-calling and that sort of stuff,” Mueller said. “People are entitled to their opinions and I have mine, both professionally and personally, and I made this one pretty well known.”
President Barack Obama is set to announce Wednesday his plan to curb gun violence in the United States. The plan is being hailed as the nation's most sweeping effort to curb gun violence in nearly two decades. Obama will urge a reluctant Congress to ban military-style assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines like those used in last month's massacre of 20 elementary school children in Newtown, Conn.
The broad package Obama will announce is also expected to include more than a dozen steps the president can take on his own through executive action. Those measures will provide a pathway for skirting opposing lawmakers, but they will be limited in scope, and in some cases, focused simply on enforcing existing laws.
Obama will announce his proposals in a midday event at the White House, flanked by children who wrote to him about gun violence following the massacre of 20 students and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Law enforcement officials, mayors from across the country and supportive congressional lawmakers are also expected to attend.
Obama has pledged urgent action to prevent future mass shootings, and his plan — coming just one month after the Newtown attacks — is swift by Washington standards.
The president's framework is based on recommendations from Vice President Joe Biden, who led a wide-ranging task force on gun violence. Beyond the gun control measures, Biden also gave Obama suggestions for improving mental health care and addressing violent images in video games, movies and television.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
Arrogance, your name is Sheriff Tim Mueller.
HERO
Sherriff Mueller, You took an Oath to uphold the laws passed by our Elected Representatives. Your Position does not allow you to Choose which Laws to enforce or to stop Federal Officials from doing thier Jobs. I would suggest you keep your Politics to yourself and do what you were Elected and are Paid to do.
 @swede760 An unconstituional law or executive order is just that. Unconstitutional, and therefore unjust, and not lawful.  I challenge you to be a patriot and not something else. That is what this Sheriff is doing, and you are totally in the wrong for not supporting him.
Ronald Reagan â 40th President of the USA (1981-1989) âThere are those in America today who have come to depend absolutely on government for their security. And when government fails they seek to rectify that failure in the form of granting government more power. So, as government has failed to control crime and violence with the means given it by the Constitution, they seek to give it more power at the expense of the Constitution. But in doing so, in their willingness to give up their arms in the name of safety, they are really giving up their protection from what has always been the chief source of despotism government. Lord Acton said power corrupts. Surely then, if this is true, the more power we give the government the more corrupt it will become. And if we give it the power to confiscate our arms we also give up the ultimate means to combat that corrupt power. In doing so we can only assure that we will eventually be totally subject to it. When dictators come to power, the first thing they do is take away the people's weapons. It makes it so much easier for the secret police to operate, it makes it so much easier to force the will of the ruler upon the rule.â
 @lee986321 Is this from before or after he went senile?  It's hard to tell.
This guy should resign or be fired. He is clearly a dangerous public official/citizen and does not understand the the system he claims to work for. Sounds like a hypocrite too. And, after reading these comments, I feel even more concern for our country and situation and pray that common sense will prevail and fanatical, idiot gun lovers are put in their proper place despite their whining. They are a vocal minority with a bunch of bravado and obviously think the death of twenty children is worth their pathetic cause. Get a better cause people, one that is pro-life, not pro-death. Break on through to the other side!
 @Bluephnix sounds like you've broken through to the other side Bluephinx.................right into dream land. ........you, and other idiots like you are what is changing our country into a government dependent, lazy, currency devalued 3rd world country. I am 58-----and I see it happening quicker quicker because of lemmings like yourself that are bunching up now on the side of the cliff, ready to march over the side when the commander in chief issues a presidential proclamation that defies our constitution.--- wake up Bluephinx--- wake the ****up
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 @Bluephnix The smoking gun isn't the gun and no amount of taking away guns will ever solve or improve safety of children or anybody else. The smoking gun has been a long time built in my opinion from the time of the early 30's when a group of atheists wrote the 'Human Manifesto' claiming that their ultimate weapon would be in our education system to teach, brainwash, our children into their way of thinking. Then the smoking gun was completed in 1963 taking prayer out of our schools. Whether or not you believe in God really doesn't matter prayer in  school was morally right, check statistics from 63 on more violent crimes in schools involving guns have increased. Since, with the advent of more wonderful technology, drugs have entered our lifestyles, not just street drugs but now children that seem 'unruly' or 'not paying attention' are given drugs, oh so much easier than 'raising' your children with ethics. Of course our society we can't stay home and 'raise' our children can we oh no we must have new houses, new cars, new this new that and we want it now raising our children now is of least importance someone else can take care of that, if there is a problem give them some more drugs that will solve. And lets get more of those video games that promote killing, yes those are harmless it is just fun isn't it. Blueshinx I don't know how old you are but you seem to be of an age where you haven't lived long enough to see what was taken away and what more government control WILL take away. I applaud Sheriff Tim Mueller and I find it very comforting to know there are still real 'Americans' alive and standing up for what is RIGHT and has the strength and morals to stand not only for himself but for others.Â
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 @Tom Woodard  @Bluephnix So in 2004, a federal BAN on assault weapons that Clinton had put into place was allowed to expire. Did this guy refuse to obey THAT ban as well? Clinton's crime prevention policies brought in an era of less crime than had been seen in years. Here ... get a grip (regulating guns is not NEW) http://clinton5.nara.gov/WH/Accomplishments/eightyears-06.html
Man, I like this guy!
 @dkgiovenco Why ? I don't think he's married, no ring . . !
As someone that also sworn an oath, I count my service both federal and state in terms of decades . I understand what that means . Honor and service is not a punch line for people like us.Â
In my opinion I applaud Mr. Mueller for taking this stand .
No law passed because of Fear has ever been beneficial. Today it is assault rifles tomorrow who knows .Â
 @rstandow "No law passed because of Fear has ever been beneficial."  Surely you're referring to the 'Patriot Act'.
 @rstandow 'No law passed because of Fear has ever been beneficial.'  Are you referring to the 'Patriot Act'?
 @rstandow aw you can't have an AK 47 (legally). People will still possess them regardless. People still smoke weed right despite it being considered illegal in most places.
 @GNTLwarrior  @rstandow so legalize weed?
 @diddy_bop  @rstandow Nope. Just making a reference.
 @rstandow The problem is that a sheriff should know that this is not unconstitutional. "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." The words MILITIA and WELL REGULATED need to stop being ignored.Â
 @SilverGuardian  @rstandowÂ
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You should learn what a comma does then, because there clearly is one between the clause regarding the militia and the right of the people to bear arms.
 @SilverGuardian Well that WELL REGULATED Militia you are referring too is the Army national Guard .So what you are saying is that everyone needs to join the military? OK . after all this is what is says
"On May 8, 1792, Congress passed "[a]n act more effectually to provide for the National Defense, by establishing an Uniform Militia throughout the United States" requiring:[E]ach and every free able-bodied white male citizen of the respective States, resident therein, who is or shall be of age of eighteen years, and under the age of forty-five years (except as is herein after excepted) shall severally and respectively be enrolled in the militia...[and] every citizen so enrolled and notified, shall, within six months thereafter, provide himself with a good musket or firelock, a sufficient bayonet and belt, two spare flints, and a knapsack, a pouch with a box therein to contain not less than twenty-four cartridges, suited to the bore of his musket or firelock, each cartridge to contain a proper quantity of powder and ball: or with a good rifle, knapsack, shot-pouch and powder-horn, twenty balls suited to the bore of his rifle, and a quarter of a pound of powder; and shall appear, so armed, accoutred and provided, when called out to exercise, or into service, except, that when called out on company days to exercise only, he may appear without a knapsack."
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  . Ever ask your self why do most former and current military and police support keeping firearms?  I ask you if Assault weapon ban took place today who would it stop ? Criminals do not follow laws . Someone that wants to kill someone will do it with 30 round magazine or 7 round magazine.  Only takes seconds to put in another magazine .Â
 @diddy_bop  @Mack Rhoades It seems to me that there are then 4 parts to our defenses, US military (combined), National Gard or various military posts through out  the state, The Militia and then us the citizen.
If you ask me it seems that it s everyone duty to make sure that the US is secure not just the governments duty and job. Sure if I had to I would form up with the military if we went to war just as I would take a stand on my own to Neutralize an intruder in my home by any means necessary, be it gun, knife, sling shot Co2 , Cross bow and dart, or what ever even a sword or Mechette (a type of sword if you ask me.) the weapons are only as good as the person using them. and Trust me, I know some people that can sue there hand to hand skills to disarm an intruder and turn the tables rapidly. Why do you think one registers as a legal weapon after completing Martial arts?
 @Mack Rhoades you forgot to add the new parts about how sandy hook was staged by the government so that they can usurp our guns.
The WELL REGULATED Militia is the American People... who can be brought into service against Enemies, Foreign and Domestic... the National Guard is just what it is stated to be... A National Guard, standing at the ready to defend or aid the People of the United States.
No where does anything say we need to obey the words of a power hungary 'want to be King' named Obama!Â
The chair of the President of the United States sets empty at this time, until a legally elected United States born President takes the position... this Keyan born Muslim is not it... he is merely the Party Chairman of the Socialist Party attempting to become the 1st Dictator of the United States.
And that is the reason for having multiple high capacity round magazines along with multiple clips... the time may come very soon where we need to defend ourselves from the Obama Administration by Militia action. And that action may take place sooner than some expect!Â
There was a reason why my family sided with the CSA... it was because they didn't like the 'Power Elite' in Wasington DC running the Country into the ground.... looks like time for the next Civil War is at hand!
 @rstandow  @SilverGuardian Also "WELL REGULATED" and "BANNED" are very different things. If we were talking about regulating "assault weapons" this wouldn't be such a heated debate. Banning one of the most popular SEMI-AUTOMATIC firearms in this country, is NOT regulating.
Good for you brother!!!!
I wonder if Tim is still active in the reserves? this means he is bound by both to uphold the constitution he has been sworn 2x that is a strong pact indeed.
In my opinion, I think it should be that every American should swear an oath to the Constitution to uphold the constitution and every American must learn and educate them selves with its contents and any American not wishing to do so, should be deported..But you know something, it is this freedom that makes the US the U.S. It is not up to us to determine who should and who should not have rights. we all are equals.. and blood will spill and it will mingle when the Tree of Liberty is watered. blood is not the color of the race of which it is shed from, it is red. it is not religious, it is red. the blood of the Atheist and Christian will mingle should war erupt. Jew, African American, Asians, European, German, Norwegian, Scottish and Irish, all there blood will mingle should war come.
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War has one agenda, hopefully that is wright a wrong. And if War must come then So Mote it Be.
Don't think it can not and will not happen. It will. Not because people want it, but because a wrong must be corrected and change must take place.
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You are a fool if you think war here in the us, can never happen.
So shall it be written and kept that the reason for the coming war here in the United States should one occur that it was to correct a wrongful burdens placed up on its citizen by a corrupt government with self serving needs being placed a head of the people instead of being in place for the people.
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A country that chose security over freedom shall have neither security nor freedom.
You have been warned, now the time has come to prepare. You must decide for your self and take a side for what you believe in.
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Either you are for the constitution or you are against it. Either you are for freedom or you are not .
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Now that you have chosen, be it so that you are ready to die for what you believe in for the time is coming when we all be tested.
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Our country is in distress as well. If any of you see the flag being flown upside down, You had better pay close head to that warning because it will be the only sign that you will get. And if you do not understand in full what it means to fly the flag and to properly,fold , fly it and lite it at night, You had better learn . It is every Americans Duty to know this.
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 @lee986321 Possibilities and Probabilities are two different things. I am for the Constitution, and it says that "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." The words "well regulated" and "militia" are crucial to the meaning, as is the fact that there are a lot of us who see lee's words as right tight to threatening ... "so mote it be" notwithstanding. I do not in any way believe that arming everyone in the neighborhood with AKC's will produce a peaceful nation. If you want to live in Iraq, take your machine gun and move. But stop trying to make America into a war zone. Peace and Out, Home Boy.
 @lee986321 A country that chose security over freedom shall have neither security nor freedom.
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so 'yes or no' on the patriot act?Â
If ind it fascinating that the people using Terminology like "Wing Nuts" ( A nut with a pair of projections for the fingers to turn it on a screw. ) What does a screw and nut have anything to do with Politics?
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And please for the love of Pete..Don't take this in the wrong context.
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I for one know for a fact that this person is right on par with what his duty calls to do.
If any one has an issue with that then perhaps one needs to go and check out some Law books at the library or seek a sight that contains the duties of Law Enforcement. It is clearly a duty that every officer is sworn to up hold the constitution. And the law is Law irregardless of who you are. Even the president can be impeached for breaking the trust of the American people.
 @lee986321 Your idea of what the amendment means is quite different from mine. I read the words "well regulated" and comprehend this amendment. But at the time it was written, I am pretty sure the gatling gun was not yet a glimmer in anyone's eye, let alone a machine gun.Â
 @lee986321 Sound advice. Which law book(s) did you consult?
Sheriff Mueller swore an oath to the United States, to God and to the People... he NEVER swore an oath to Socialist Party Chairman Obama... the Chair of the Office of President sets empty, while this false Prophet of Islam spews his rhetoric in his attempt to become the 1st Dictator of America!
Sheriff Mueller's oath is to protect the Country of the United States from its enemies, both Foreign and Domestic... Herr Obama and Reich Marshall Biden fit both of those bills, therefore he is upholding the Oath of Office... unlike Obama, who is violating the War Crimes Act by imposing Disrmament under the threat of Military/Police action!
Party Chairman Obama's disregard of our United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights is setting a precedence in just how much an official is able to abuse his powers. And if Obama is not careful, he may enter the People of the United States into a de facto State of War from within as did President Lincoln... we saw the outcome of that!
While Obama may believe may believe himself to be the Choosen One, the Messiah, the Hand of God... He is not, he is merely the 'Man who would be King'.... and I for one will assure that will not happen!Â
 @Mack Rhoades i love how these 'trollish' comments gets likes. Â
 @Mack Rhoades People like you make me mourn the days of my youth, when saying something nasty about a president could get you on J Edgar's list.
http://yro.slashdot.org/story/13/01/15/154249/3d-printable-ammo-clip-skirts-new-proposed-gun-laws
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Yeah, before they can even do anything, it's already being gotten around.  Welcome to the digital age, where gov't can regulate less and less.
 @brendan Yep. As Samuel Clemmons once said; "The fundamental problem with laws is they are written by lawyers."
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Laws are only as good as the words they are written using. As an example of this fact, and the net effect on profitable enterprises, do some research on 'bath salts'.Â
Sherriff Mueller swore an OATH, for some people who have little integrity that may not mean much.  For the majority of Americans it does mean something. That OATH was to PROTECT THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FROM ENEMIES BOTH FORIEGN AND DOMESTIC! An enemy is defined as ANYONE who infringes upon OR threatens the rights and freedoms of the citizens of our land.
I applaud him for having the integrity to do what he has sworn to do for us all. Even if the Executive branch disregards the same oath they took.
 @Joseph Herndon Uh, no. He took an Oath to enforce all laws, not the constitution.
Nice try, but he is just enforcing only the laws HE feels are important.
Obama is doing the same thing. He will NOT enforce the Defense of marriage act, he will NOT enforce Immigration laws, but he will "make up" laws that demonize law-abiding citizens. This attack on the Second Amendment is illegal and unconstitutional, and impeachable.
EVERY COUNTY SHERRIFFÂ IN AMERICA Â has to sware an oath to uphold the constitution.
Just as EVERY ELECTED OFFICIAL ALSO.
@Poochie @Joseph Herndon The constitution is the law that regulates what laws are legal. Therefore if a law violates the constitution, it is illegal and therefore not law.
 @Poochie  @Joseph Herndon Poochie, How do you know what oaths it takes to become an officer? are you or have you been sworn in for any service duty? Do you or have you read the oath? were you there when the sheriff was inaugurated?
I am sorry that you lacking the knowledge of said "swear ins" is astonishingly apparent. You need to attend one Swearing in Ceremony. I pity you.
The 'Protect' is the part where we don't obey Facist like Obama and Biden...
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Both of them are Liars and Thieves (Politicians, go figure)... they have been involved in illegal actions, cover ups and voter tampering, yet have not had one charge leveled against them.
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Allen West for President!!!
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Toss O'Barfbag into the Potomac!!!!!
 @Mack Rhoades And Protect doesn't even apply.
The 'Oath of Office' may vary from place to place... but the basics of it are to 'Protect and Serve'... those are the words my Father repeated several times through the years... as a Officer with CHP, as a Officer for a small town here in Oregon, and prior to that when he inlisted in the Army.Â
At no point does any Oath say that we must obey the demands of an Enemy from within... it does say to obey the orders of the Commander In Chief... but as I said before, that chair is sitting empty until Socialist Party Chairman Obama is removed from office... just because you put on the Crown, doesn't make you the King... and telling people they must bow down to your demand does not make you a God... Obama is just a little man with thoughts of becoming Supreme Dictator of America!!!Â
 @Poochie  @Joseph Herndon No you are wrong!!! He took an oath to defend the Constitution!Â
 @SilverGuardian   You are an idiot no body is talking about machine guns but you. Â
 @Beergod  @Poochie  @Joseph Herndon And YOUR choice of deciding what the Constitution says, is not MY choice. "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.". You even READ the words "well regulated"?Â
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In 1791 there was no such thing as a machine gun. I presume that since you've decided that it means there can be no regulations on bearing arms, this also means that you're also upholding the right of children, mentally retarded, psychopaths and felons to legally own them, right?Â
This seems to work for the left, the governor has asked him not to enforce our immigration laws, so I think he has the right to pick and choose the laws he wishes to enforce. He is an elected official if you live in Linn County you have the option to vote him out, I do think a majority of his constituents are in full agreement with him. Good job Sherriff Mueller!