Monday, Feb. 10, 2020 the MJ BOC unanimously passed both resolutions 1) Declaring MJ as a 2nd Amendment Safe City City 2) NonConsent City for the Refugee Resettlement

Here’s my justification for cosponsoring and voting to pass both resolutions:

1) Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the city of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee designating and declaring Mt. Juliet, TN a Second Amendment Sanctuary City: I fully and completely believe in our 2nd Amendment (and all others) of the United States Constitution. I believe our Founders put this is place as a protected unalienable right of “We the People” to keep and bear arms. There is a dangerous movement in our nation, taking bold actions, to infringe upon these rights, as in the actions of the VA Governor and their state legislators, among other states. This resolution is a “statement” that as a city, we will not support any unconstitutional attempts that violate our 2nd Amendment. Would this stand up in court? Who knows, but it’s a declaration that MJ will stand by and protect this right and our citizen rights.

Wilson County passed their resolution recently, declaring Wilson County as a 2nd Amendment Sanctuary County.

2) A Resolution of “No Consent” to Refugee Resettlement in the City of Mt. Juliet, TN

My position: I support President Trump’s Executive Order dated last September so this has to do with what Gov. Lee did recently by opting in to accept more refugees into our state “without” consulting or giving options to local governments, as President Trump stated in his Executive Order.

There is a push at local levels across the state telling Gov. Lee that we, as counties/cities do not wish to be “forced” into participation. How many of these “refugees” are asylum-seekers fleeing persecution and how many are not. We are not told, so we don’t “actually” know.

Gov. Bredesen in 2007, withdrew TN from the program.

Personal views in addition to above: First, I take issue with the lack of (from the powers that be) requiring “assimilation.” Second, the vetting process (starting with the UN) all the way down to these charitable organizations who have final say in the placement of refugees throughout the state, who by the way, are well compensated and well funded. Third, taxpayer burdens.

Because of the Refugee Act of 1980, the federal government is under obligation to bring in a designated amount of “refugees” every year. President Trump has drastically reduced the numbers (court has currently blocked Trump from giving states the option to opt in/out), but still under federal law to resettle them in the US.

Wilson County tabled their resolution recently.