Outdoors in RI: Help keep recreation areas clean. Invasive Milfoil, trash. 2A update – Jeff Gross

by Jeff Gross, contributing writer on outdoor topics, 2A, commentary

Smithfield has a great recreation pond within the shorelines of Stump Pond. The pond sees minimal boating traffic as the boat ramp only allows up to a 10 HP motor.  A handful of kayaks dot the pond as well. There are 2 to 3 pontoon boats, however the operators are respectful of the other watercraft.  What this writer appreciates about the location is the fact that the area where Abby trains is weed free and graveled. The boat ramp area is also weed free out to the 40-yard mark. While Abby’s bird retrieve is in an area clear of weeds, statements were made that the pond is heavily burdened with Milfoil.  If a fact-finding mission turns up heavy Milfoil, a request will be submitted to RI Fish and Wildlife to treat the pond. Boaters be aware of the Milfoil invasive weed and clean your gear, anchors, boats and trailers off at the ramp when you leave the water and leave the weeds to die on land.

Sadly, like many fishing areas, Gen Z youngsters and others use the area for a partying area. Hopefully this partying is squashed by the DEM as the picture reveals that trash, including vapor devices, left behind in a negligent manner.  This trash was not there 48 hours earlier.  Even though we are not the culprits, we as sportsmen and women must pick up after them.  If we do not assert ourselves as nannies, this prime location and others like it will end up like Beach Pond with a very heavily guarded presence.

2A update – legislators fined, companies protected

As promised, I wanted to give you an update on some legal issues happening in the Second Amendment community. Recently (2 weeks or less) an anti-gun state lost in court. The state and case evades me momentarily as I did not flag the case for further research. What I do remember is noteworthy regarding the case are the high-ranking state politicians who lost the case. One was ordered to pay $3,000 out of his own pocket and the other official was ordered to pay $1,000 out of his own pocket to the plaintiff.  These two awards are above and beyond the reasonable attorney’s fees and costs that were awarded as well.  While the state paid the attorney fees and costs to the plaintiff attorneys, the award paid out of pocket by the politicians is a process this writer drilled into the politicians at the Rhode Island state house as an up-and-coming litigation method. These out-of-pocket lawsuits are the new way of checkmating the anti-gun legislative moves.

The RI Senate and House Judiciary Committees did not take me seriously and one Democrat told me that politicians cannot be sued. A Republican two years ago told me politicians won’t take the job if they can be sued.  My reply was do not violate our constitutional rights then. It is clear that suing politicians who violate the Constitution is well underway.  Like I mentioned before, I am part of two lawsuits in Massachusetts, one of which is suing the local politicians, personally.  Currently the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) is looking for 18-20 year-olds in Minnesota that had their 2A rights violated.  SAF’s class action lawsuit against MN politicians will occur as a result of the SAFs successful win against MN on behalf of all 18- to 20-year-olds in MN.  Constitutionalists are showing they will not be tread on anymore. Democrats in the RI State House should be on notice.

Announced Thursday morning was another victory for the 2A world. A Federal District Court ruled in favor of Daniels Defense Gun company.  Daniels Defense was sued by the victims’ families of the Washington, DC Shooter.  The Judge dismissed that case as the victims cannot sue a third party (Daniels Defense) for the acts of a criminal.  The victims’ families sought to circumvent the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA). This act was afforded to the gun companies to protect them from frivolous lawsuits. Gun companies cannot be sued just as the Wagner or Griswold frying pan companies cannot be sued if, in one instance, a wife harms her husband with a frying pan for coming home late from a bar.  In the same context, the Louisville Baseball Bat Company cannot be held liable for an assault that occurred with a bat they made.  Likewise, Stanley Tool Company cannot be sued if someone uses a Stanley hammer as a deadly weapon. You get the picture.  Mark W. Smith has an in-depth analysis of the case and can be viewed here:

That’s all for this week – Jeff

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Jeffrey “Jeff” Gross spent 21 years as an Analytical Chemist at the USCG R&D Center in Groton, Connecticut, Woods Hole Laboratories, and Helix Technologies. Changing careers is a “great learning experience for everyone”, Jeff says, and I’m an avid outdoorsman and conservationist, a student of the sciences, and the world. The US holds too many wonders not to take a chance and explore them”.

Jeff is the Model Train and Railroad entrepreneur. Proud Golden Retriever owner. Ultra strong Second Amendment Advocate and Constitutionalist. “Determined seeker of the truth”.  Jeff is a RIFGPA Legislative and Legal Officer, Freshwater Chairman, NRA Liaison.

His subjects include Outdoors, Second Amendment, Model Railroading, Commentary, and Whimsical. He can be reached at: [email protected].