LibertyMinute August 1 2013

Opponents of civilian disarmament frequently point out that a firearm is simply a tool that can be used or abused depending on the intentions of its owner.

The City government of Oakland, California seems to appreciate that logic, but is using it in a novel way: Rather than lifting restrictions on firearms, the Oakland City Council is considering a measure that would criminalize possession of tools. Specifically, the proposed ordinance would ban any object that could be employed as a ?tool of vandalism? ? which would include not only slingshots and clubs but also useful implements such as hammers, wrenches, garden rakes, and shovels.

According to Councilman Noel Gallo, who sponsored the measure, recent demonstrations prompted by the George Zimmerman acquittal demonstrated that ?the Oakland Police Department needs additional tools to help protect life and property in our city? ? and in this case, the metaphorical ?tool? would be a law forbidding possession of literal tools in some circumstances.

During one of the recent protests, some vandals used household tools to inflict property damage. In one incident, a demonstrator attacked a waiter with a hammer. It is criminal intent that turns such otherwise harmless instruments into weapons used to harm others. The same thing is true of firearms.

Let us take back the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free.