4/11/23 the Houghton County Board of Commissioners passed resolution 23-10 “Affirming Support for All Constitutional Rights, Including, But not limited to, the Right of the People to Keep and Bear Firearms …”

Listing only the 2nd Amendment the resolution is implying that it is the most important component of the Constitution. There is no hierarchical rankings of the federal Constitution’s VII Articles and XXVII Amendments. With regard to the 2nd Amendment being in the public spotlight the resolution mentioned cultural heritage but conveniently did not include the historical record on firearms restrictions dating back to “The Northampton Statute” (1328) . It was recognized by 8 states after ratification of the Constitution and supported by Jefferson and Madison.

Second, the paragraph “Be it Further Resolved” says that the Office of Sheriff and the office of Prosecuting Attorney both of Houghton County have the power to determine the Constitutionality and enforcement of Federal and State laws. Imagine the chaos of having 3,243 Sheriffs and 3,243 Prosecuting Attorney’s offices in the 50 states, 5 territories and the District of Columbia determining what is and is not Constitutional.“The U.S. Supreme Court case Marbury V. Madison (1803) established the principal of judicial review-the power of the federal courts to declare legislative and executive acts unconstitutional.”

The resolution also mentions the need to adequately fund mental health services in Houghton County. Although a very important issue, it was added to this resolution as a smoke screen by Gun Rights Advocates to commandeer the conversation away from causes of gun violence not related to mental health.

Therefore Resolution 23-10 should be repealed and replaced asking the County Board of Commissioners to support adequate funding for mental health issues.

Henry Nordsiek

Houghton