Western states want reins on federal power
• LA TimesMontana
state Rep. Joel Boniek, shown with his mule Jesse, introduced a bill
seeking to exempt from federal regulation any firearm made and used
within the state borders.
An
expanded federal role prompts declarations of state sovereignty.
Montana goes further with a gun bill defying U.S. firearm restrictions.
The goal: Keep Washington on its side of the fence.
By Mark Z. Barabak
June 16, 2009 Reporting
from Bozeman, Mont. -- Frustrated by the expanded power of Washington,
a growing number of state lawmakers are defying the federal government
and passing legislation aimed at rolling back the reach of Congress and
President Obama.
While many measures are symbolic ones declaring the sovereignty of
states, some Westerners are taking more dramatic steps. One Utah
lawmaker wants to limit federal law enforcement in his state. In
Montana, legislators enacted a bill that flagrantly ignores federal
firearm restrictions, hoping to f