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This is the letter from "Steve the Marine" from this morning.

Steven Greenleaf M.D.: J.D.
(Radio name: Steve the Marine)
Medford, OR 97504

GUN CONTROL BY TREATY

Dear Bill,

A gun treaty is brewing in the United Nations. Some gun rights activists are worried that its intent is new gun laws being passed, bypassing the ordinary legislative process. For years liberals have been suggesting that a treaty can create law in the U.S. that is not bound by the Constitution.
 

The issue concerns Supremacy Clause which states:

“This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the Supreme Law of the Land…..”
(United States Constitution Article VI paragraph 2)

The theory is that the language for treaties is under the “Authority of the United States”, while the language for treaties is “Pursuant to the Constitution”, exempts treaties from Constitutional limits. They are wrong. The framers were not trying to create a method of making law which bypassed the Constitution.

In 1787, when the Constitution was written, the United States had already made six treaties. Two of these were vital. The Treaty of Paris ended the Revolutionary War, and in it England recognized our sovereignty. Also there was our mutual defense treaty with France. These treaties were not made under the Constitution which did not exist when they were entered. These treaties were under the Continental Congress and the Articles of Confederation. These institutions were the authority of the United States and thus the language in the Supremacy Clause. As soon as the Constitution went into effect, it became the only authority of the United States.

This is based on more than historical context. The above is also spelled out in the Records of the Federal Convention of 1787. I will dig this out when and if this treaty is ratified by two thirds of the Senate and if the gun grabbers try to use it as an end run around the Constitution.

Three very wise men have been talking about this treaty: Dick Morris, the host of Gun Talk, and Kevin Starrett of the Oregon Firearms Federation. I would like them to have this letter. They don’t know who I am but they do know who you are. Please forward this letter to them.

Semper Fi,

Steve the Marine

GUEST INFORMATION 08-03-2012

6:15 U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, we talk about his issues with the Cybersecurity Bill.

7:10 Roy Wright - 541-773-2006, looks like southern Oregon housing is recovering!

7:35 State Senator Alan Bates, on the marijuana measure, CCO's, listener questions.

8:10 John Charles, Cascade Policy Institute, and we talk of the insane demands on bridge building in Portland. Spending huge amounts of money (which you contribute to, in part) to take care of 1 or 2 percent of the traffic. Yep, bikes and pedestrians.

You Go, Dr. Art Robinson!