Missouri Senate Bill 74 and Senate Bill 147, currently being considered in committee, are kicking up a storm with Democrats as the measures threaten to repeal restrictions on carrying and using a firearm in a self-defense scenario. Specifically, SB 74 would prohibit cities and counties in the state from imposing open-carry limitations, while SB 147 issues legal protections for those who use a firearm in a fatal self-defense shooting, presuming their actions reasonable, removing the burden of proof, and providing immunity to prosecution or civil action. 

SB 74, sponsored by Republican Senator Brad Hudson of Stone County, would conflict with current laws set forth by local Missouri municipalities if passed, including in St. Louis, where it has been prohibited to carry openly without a concealed carry permit since 2023. 

Moms Demand Action, aptly named to disguise the anti-Second Amendment group behind the broken record of emotionally charged monikers masquerading as public safety organizations, sent volunteer Mary Gross to testify against the Constitutional rights of Americans at a hearing earlier this month.  

I wasn’t aware there is a population density clause in the Bill of Rights, Mary, but I’d love for you to point that out when you have a moment. I’ll wait. She went on to express concerns about SB 74 interfering with local autonomy, a curious prioritization as she expressed no concern for interfering with the Second Amendment. 

Varied restrictions on fundamental American rights across state lines is enough of a problem. Parsing that out among cities and counties can be even more treacherous. Imagine if those of us in rural counties banned skinny jeans and man buns, making the crime enforceable by jail time (which it should be). How uncomfortable would that make you every time you left the city? I know what you’re going to say. But the First Amendment… See what I did there?

Some of the more hilarious opposition arguments are brought to us courtesy of SB 147, which has the left up in arms, claiming the bill legalizes murder. No, I’m not joking. What the bill aims to accomplish is the removal of punitive legal attacks against those who defend themselves with lethal force in an emergency. SB 147 is sponsored by Republican Senator Mary Elizabeth Coleman of Jefferson County, who has introduced similar legislation in previous years. 

Leftist opposition to the measure wasted no time jumping on the opportunity to make outlandish claims, including some members of the law enforcement and judicial community (you know which ones) who deployed their predictable hyperbole in stating the bill would allow murder without consequence. 

I wonder if he said that with a straight face. I’m kidding; these guys are excellent at lying and masking their contempt for Americans’ rights without flinching. 

Even the Missouri chapter of the NAACP came out of the woodwork, not to be left behind when foolishness abounds, as Sharon Geuea testified in opposition to the bill, using the case of Ralph Yarl, a 16-year-old shot in Kansas City after ringing the wrong doorbell in 2023. What she left out, however, was that the shooter, Andrew Lester, was indicted and pleaded guilty to the shooting. 

Cooler heads, like Missouri resident Susan Myers, spoke in favor of the bills and of removing gun-free zones, with her concerns being the lifting of restrictions that would allow women to protect themselves without the fear of state or civil retribution, a panic that causes the type of hesitation that could mean life and death in a self-defense situation.