The Racist Things They Will Say to Disarm You

Published on May 15, 2025
Duration: 8:48

This video from Washington Gun Law TV, hosted by William Kirk, argues that the historical origins of gun control legislation in the United States are rooted in racism. It highlights how proponents of civilian disarmament, even those claiming to represent minority interests, have historically employed racist arguments and laws to advance their agenda. The discussion centers on the Ninth Circuit's ruling in *US v. Dewarte* and its application by New Mexico in the *Ortega v. Lujan Gisham* case to justify statutory waiting periods.

Quick Summary

The historical origins of gun control in the U.S. are rooted in racism, with laws from the 1600s-1800s often targeting specific racial or religious groups. Modern arguments for disarmament, like New Mexico's waiting period, are now being justified by referencing this history, as seen in the *US v. Dewarte* Ninth Circuit ruling.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Racist Origins of Gun Control
  2. 01:04Historical Context of Gun Control
  3. 02:06New Mexico Case: Ortega v. Lujan Gisham
  4. 02:33Ninth Circuit Ruling: US v. Dewarte
  5. 04:37Historical Disarmed Groups Cited
  6. 05:03New Mexico's Argument for Waiting Period
  7. 07:30Desperate Tactics in Civilian Disarmament
  8. 07:58Resources and Contact Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the historical basis for gun control legislation being racist?

Historically, gun control laws in the U.S., from the 1600s to the 1800s, were often enacted with racist motivations. Legislation frequently targeted specific groups based on their race or religion, aiming to disarm them under the guise of public safety.

How is the Ninth Circuit's ruling in US v. Dewarte relevant to modern gun control debates?

The *US v. Dewarte* ruling upheld a federal law disarming felons by referencing a historical tradition of disarmament. Critics argue this relies on and legitimizes historically racist laws to justify contemporary regulations like waiting periods.

What is New Mexico's argument for its statutory waiting period?

New Mexico, in the *Ortega v. Lujan Gisham* case, argues that its waiting period is constitutional by referencing the historical tradition of disarmament highlighted in *US v. Dewarte*. They contend that even a possibility of 'impulsive firearm violence' justifies disarming certain groups.

Are modern gun control arguments sometimes based on racist historical laws?

Yes, according to Washington Gun Law TV, proponents of civilian disarmament may use historically racist gun control laws to support their arguments. The Ninth Circuit's decision in *US v. Dewarte* is cited as an example where such historical laws were used to justify a modern regulation.

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