The Reluctant Freedom Fighters - Chapter 18

The Governor spoke with his aides.  The National Guard had 200 soldiers that could be deployed at the Governors command.  The commandant explained to the governor that an informal poll had been taken amongst the men.  Most of those men had turned on the news when asked to report for emergency duty.  One of the questions was whether they would fire on armed civilians should they be ordered to.   The poll results showed that only the commanding officers would do so.  The rank and file would lay down their arms.

The Governor turned red with rage.  But he said nothing.  The State Police reported that any further deployment of officers would severely limit their ability to respond to any other emergencies.  State Police patrols would be affected.  Response to auto accidents on the highways would have to be delegated to the nearest local police department.  

One of the advisors noted that the enforcement of the assault weapons ban would need to be reconsidered.  If overwhelming force was going to be required to confiscate every suspected assault weapon in the state, it would take hundreds of years, or millions of dollars to confiscate them all.  The outcome of this particular situation would not affect that outcome.

It seemed that a decisive victory of force would elude the government in this case.

He then considered their opinions on the deal that had been offered.   It was agreed that Jake Cunningham could be reliably charged and convicted of discharge of firearm.  Possession of an assault weapon or high capacity magazines could not be proved as a search of the house and the lack of evidence would preclude his conviction.  There were several other lesser charges he could be convicted of.  However, at the most, punishment would be limited to fines and probation.  They could revoke his carry permit.  This would make his other guns illegal.  However, doing so would “raise the ante” for any further confiscation activity.  It would lower the ability of the government to peacefully end standoffs such as this.

One advisor even suggested “embracing the enemy” in this case.  Make this guy a hero, repeal the ban, and buy some votes before the next election.  The governor glared at him.

Essentially it boiled down to one option.  Take the deal that had been offered my Mr. Cunningham.  And cease all future confiscatory activity.  And if Mr. Cunningham got his assault weapon back at some point, so be it.