It is no secret that violent crime is going up across our country. Last year, major American cities saw a 33% increase in homicides. In St. Louis, there were 263 killings, giving the city its highest homicide rate in 50 years. This is not just big cities. We have seen in our own communities the destructive effects of this wave of lawlessness. Unfortunately, there is no sign that the trend is letting up in 2021.
Many factors, of course, have contributed to the increase in violent crime. In my view, two of the most critical causes have been a shortage of police officers and “bail reform.”
For many years we have suffered from continuous attacks on our police officers in response to the actions of a few bad officers. These attacks culminated in those massive protests last year when even elected officials joined calls to “defund” the police. In this environment of disrespect, it is obviously difficult to recruit and retain good officers, which has led to a nationwide police shortage. For example, in Asheville, North Carolina, about a third of the force has quit or retired. Even here in Poplar Bluff we are not immune. Both the Poplar Bluff Police Department and Butler County Sheriff’s Department are understaffed.
Another issue I believe causing the upswing in crime is “bail reform.” Courts across the country have tied the hands of judges by eliminating cash bail in many cases. As a result, criminals are free to continue wreaking havoc in their communities. This was most famously attempted in New York in 2019, but was modified after a series of violent crimes committed by criminals awaiting trial.
Since the record-setting days of the early 1990s, America has steadily reduced the burden of violent crime. Often with success comes complacency, and I fear that without immediate action our streets will once again become too dangerous for our families. To ensure this does not happen, I will continue working to support our police and keep dangerous offenders behind bars.
Lawmakers took action during the 2021 legislative session to protect the Second Amendment rights of Missourians against an overreaching federal government. This week Gov. Parson signed the legislation approved by the General Assembly to create the Second Amendment Preservation Act.
The act is meant to protect law-abiding gun owners from potential gun control legislation that could be passed in Washington, D.C. It states that laws and other actions that prohibit the manufacture, ownership, and use of firearms, firearm accessories, or ammunition within Missouri exceed the powers granted to the federal government. It also declares that all federal laws, acts, and orders that infringe on Missourians’ Second Amendment rights are invalid in the state.
Gov. Parson said the bill “draws a line in the sand and demonstrates our commitment to reject any attempt by the federal government to circumvent the fundamental right Missourians have to keep and bear arms to protect themselves and their property.”
The bill prohibits state and local cooperation with federal officials that attempt to enforce any laws, rules, orders, or actions that violate the Second Amendment rights of Missourians. Additionally, the bill is an acknowledgment that the right to keep and bear arms is fundamental and inalienable, and that the nation’s federalist constitutional structure limits the federal government’s authority over states.
Under the bill, any person or entity who knowingly deprives Missouri citizens of their right to bear arms — as protected by state and federal constitutions — will be liable for redress and monetary damages of $50,000 per occurrence.
May God bless and keep you and our great nation.
Hardy Billington represents District 152, which includes parts of Butler and Dunklin counties.