KIRO NEWSRADIO OPINION

Ross: Unequal treatment in Hunter Biden gun charges is outrageous

Jun 21, 2023, 7:48 AM | Updated: 12:21 pm

hunter biden gun...

WFP USA Board Chair Hunter Biden speaks during the World Food Program USA's 2016 McGovern-Dole Leadership Award Ceremony at the Organization of American States on April 12, 2016 in Washington, DC. (Kris Connor/WireImage)

(Kris Connor/WireImage)

It looks like Hunter Biden has cut a deal with the Justice Department to plead guilty to the various charges against him without doing any jail time.

And that has incensed a lot of people – including the Bellevue-based Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms.


More from Dave Ross: Ancient Roman garbage is valuable, why isn’t mine?

Because as part of that plea deal, Hunter Biden will not be prosecuted for his purchase of a handgun in 2018 when he was getting high on crack. According to the charges, Biden had the handgun for 11 days in October 2018. But under the agreement, instead of being prosecuted as a felon, all he has to do is remain drug-free for 24 months and agree never to own a firearm again.

That’s it.

Alan Gottlieb, head of the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, called that deal “an insult to the intelligence of the American people.”

“Why should anybody respect any gun laws if the president’s son gets a pass?” he said.

And that is significant.

Because if Gottlieb, the man who founded the Second Amendment Foundation, says the Second Amendment does not protect a drug user’s right to keep and bear arms and that such people should be considered felons – no exceptions – then you can take that to the Supreme Court.

Because who disagrees with that? The Second Amendment absolutely should not protect people whose judgment is impaired by drug use. And in my opinion, that should include all the judgment-impairing drugs.

Suits: Hunter Biden is getting special treatment in plea deal

That’s why many states, including Washington, prohibit carrying a firearm where liquor is served. Even with a concealed weapons permit.

So, what’s Congress waiting for? Impose mandatory jail time for any user of intoxicating substances who buys or possesses a firearm, even if he only has the gun for 11 days. And, at the very least, like Biden, upon conviction– he is disarmed for life.

If the founder of the Second Amendment Foundation is serious and the Second Amendment doesn’t protect what Hunter Biden did, that’s a big green light.

Pass the law, close the Biden gun crime loophole, and let the disarmament begin – before any more impaired gun owners get the idea that the Second Amendment applies to them.

Listen to Seattle’s Morning News with Dave Ross and Colleen O’Brien weekday mornings from 5 – 9 a.m. on KIRO Newsradio, 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.

Dave Ross on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM
  • listen to dave rossTune in to KIRO Newsradio weekdays at 5am for Dave Ross on Seattle's Morning News.

Dave's Commentary

KIRO Newsradio Opinion

FILE - The company logo shines off the hood of a 2021 K5 sedan on display in the Kia exhibit at the...

Micki Gamez

Gamez: What to know after recall issued for Kia, Hyundai vehicles over fires

Hyundai and Kia are recalling nearly 3.4 million vehicles in the U.S. and telling owners to park them outside due to the risk of engine compartment fires.

24 hours ago

girls phones teach...

Colleen O'Brien

Colleen: Young girls and phones and the patterns we teach

I spoke to New York Times reporter Jessica Bennett, who studied 13-year-old girls for a year, to learn more about their relationship with phones

1 day ago

grammar...

Ursula Reutin

Ursula: Does grammar still matter? Not according to UW

Jake Harper found that the University of Washington's Informatics department doesn't grade on grammar in students' applications.

1 day ago

republican debate...

Dave Ross

Ross: The highs and lows of the second 2024 Republican debate

As you’ve heard by now, there was considerable chaos during last night’s debate, including an argument between Tim Scott and Nikki Haley over the expensive curtains in her office.

2 days ago

...

MyNorthwest Video

Video: Gee goes off on kids who don’t call or text their parents back

Gee goes off on kids not texting their parents back! We’ve also heard of some new phone etiquette rules, which are: 1) Text before you call 2) Don’t bother with voicemail, just send a text 3) Don’t get upset if someone doesn’t pick up your call. 4) Facts are for texts, emotions are for calls. […]

3 days ago

...

MyNorthwest Video

Video: Why are electric scooters being banned from Tacoma and is Seattle next?

Tacoma will be banning electric rental scooters, will this come to Seattle next? How do we feel about electric scooters?

3 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Swedish Cyberknife...

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

September is a busy month on the sports calendar and also holds a very special designation: Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

Ziply Fiber...

Dan Miller

The truth about Gigs, Gs and other internet marketing jargon

If you’re confused by internet technologies and marketing jargon, you’re not alone. Here's how you can make an informed decision.

Education families...

Education that meets the needs of students, families

Washington Virtual Academies (WAVA) is a program of Omak School District that is a full-time online public school for students in grades K-12.

Emergency preparedness...

Emergency planning for the worst-case scenario

What would you do if you woke up in the middle of the night and heard an intruder in your kitchen? West Coast Armory North can help.

Innovative Education...

The Power of an Innovative Education

Parents and students in Washington state have the power to reimagine the K-12 educational experience through Insight School of Washington.

Medicare fraud...

If you’re on Medicare, you can help stop fraud!

Fraud costs Medicare an estimated $60 billion each year and ultimately raises the cost of health care for everyone.

Ross: Unequal treatment in Hunter Biden gun charges is outrageous