Outdoors in RI: On semantics, 1st Amendment – Jeff Gross

by Jeff Gross, contributing writer

In last week’s article I detailed how I was threatened by a person, some of whom referred to as a “Karen” as Abby was in my truck, unattended. The person left a nasty note on my truck window. This nonsense came about as Abby was quietly waiting for me to come out of the building I was in. This nonsense has originated, I believe, as a result of H 7045 Sub B in 2018, when I was the only one to testify against the bill at the RI State House. There were about 6 people testifying in favor of the bill, including one well known member of the Rhode Island gun community. This person ran in a primary for a local mayoral race. What her fellow state Republicans had to say about her cannot be printed here, but she actually condemned me for my testimony as I made it clear that the bill was being submitted by animal rights activists. I also made it clear that I would not be abiding by this law, and have. Some RI Republicans voted for H 7045 Sub B, as well.  My expertise of what is best for my canine family has always served me well and never have any of my Golden Retrievers been placed in harm’s way. Abby does a great job as my co-pilot – back in the day Jada was as well – and does not scream or yell “look out” when a car stops 3 miles in front of me.

Hunting Dogs 101

A fellow club member stated that he has had the police called on him while he is out hunting, and he has dogs in his trucks. This is commonplace as hunters will train or hunt one dog at a time, and then return that dog to the truck and bring out the next dog, who is fresh and ready to go. The returned dog is given water and a snack and retires to its kennel or the cab of the truck. It appears this is where “Karens” are sticking their noses in. Keep in mind any kind of hunting or fishing activity is protected by law that makes interference or harassment an arrestable offense. This law was created to stop them in their tracks. If you are interfered with in any manner while enjoying your sport, call the DEM enforcement, and mention that you are carrying a gun as it is hunting season. 

The Democrat southern states in the 1950s resisted desegregation which violated the constitutional rights of Black Americans.  In 2024, Democrats again are resisting the Constitution and violating gun owners’ rights and even 1st Amendment rights as well.

Semantics Redux

Last week I caused a raucous by using the term “retard” in this column and in some postings. Whether people like it or not, the use of the term is protected by the 1st Amendment. I had a couple of insults thrown my way such as lack of intellect, which I find hilarious, but I have hundreds of other fine folks saying just the opposite. Those who troll could use their intellect to grasp the concept that obviously I am not speaking of those with special needs (I have family with special needs) and, in fact, I am referring to those “crazies” (oops, there I go again) who are trying to control our lives including how we think, and how we speak. Gun control wasn’t enough for them, I guess. 

Dan K Kesler said it best that “there is no constitutional right to not be offended”. I agree, freedom of speech is in fact the backbone of the 1st Amendment. The federal government has tried to eliminate free speech including the Sedition Act of the 1920s. The constitutional right to criticize shall not be subject to censorship. Members of the Rhode Island gun community that are administrators of RI Concealed Carry (CCW) attempted to censor me and banned me from their pages. I have mentioned this a number of times in my articles. “Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it”. Are these administrators in fact Democrats, or Rinos? Fortunately for the RI gun community, good people have stepped up and shared my articles. “Atta Boy” to those for standing up for the 1st Amendment.

Almost on cue, Megyn Kelly released a video on how hate speech is in fact protected by the constitution. Here is the link to the video, from the Leadership Institute; judge for yourself. 

Many a progressive head must be exploding listening to Megyn’s video. Megyn as a lawyer has first-hand knowledge of constitutional rights. She’s vastly better educated than any opinionated troll on or off Facebook, most likely. Of course, owners of publications, television networks, and social media entities can set their own rules. That’s constitutional, too. Since hate speech is indeed constitutional, one needs to educate themselves on reality. I trust my instincts and do not follow the herd mentality. “Welcome to America, we are allowed to offend here!” Thanks Meg!

Next week I again will attend the auction in West Warwick where I encountered the “Karen” who helped start this mess. I wonder if she will be foolish enough to continue her behavior. Just before the auction starts, I’ll speak to the Auction audience, maybe provide some education, and I challenge anyone to debate me on Abby’s safety. Abby again will be in my truck with the windows up, providing the weather is where it should be, like last week. I also challenge the trolls on RI Small Game Hunters to debate me on this at the Auction. For the rest of you, bring a bowl of popcorn and enjoy the show.

Right now, there are 2 bills in the RI State House, H 8044 and S 2473, that will allow a person who experiences bullying, harassment, or feels uncomfortable – or, in my interpretation, just has their feelings hurt – in a workplace to be able to bring their complaint to OSHA. This is another asinine bill that makes lawyers rich, and further erodes the work environment. How soon before someone in a public setting gets their feelings hurt, and can bring a complaint? How soon before comedians are included in RI? 

Back in a debate in 2022 there was an exchange between Justine Caldwell and her opponent. Caldwell found what was said by the opponent to be offensive. How soon before political candidates sue for getting their feelings hurt? Looming even larger is when Donald Trump (hopefully) takes office January 22nd, 2025. Will people be able to sue him for his mean tweets? This is un-American legislation and has no place in the USA, when we have the 1st Amendment. The reason this type of woke-ism continues is no one has yet challenged the issue at the US Supreme Court (SCOTUS). I look forward to the day that challenge occurs.

___

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].