Mrgunsngear made an excellant and sobering video about the current state of the Second Amendment in Virginia. Please give this video a look and share it far and wide. It is an excellant and terrifying summary of what is going on here. Even if you arent a Virginian, please pay attention. The left's strategy of focusing on state-level elections funded by Soros/Bloomberg worked here and they will use the strategy elsewhere. Your state may be next.

My thoughts on how this will be implemented from another thread.

The governor has already thrown out the word "confiscation". Although he back-peddled a bit by saying he wasn't considering it "at this time", his words were carefully chosen and he wants to introduce the idea to the public. When people talk about confiscation they picture uniformed cops and National Guardsmen going door to door and rounding up the guns. I don't believe this is feasible. Some say there will be no confiscation and rather, the law will be selectively enforced when an officer sees a standard capacity magazine on a traffic stop or a bitter ex-spouse makes a complaint. I don't think this is feasible either. The governor has brought guns to the fore-front and I'm not sure Bloombutg will be satisfied with passive enforcement. 

Here is what I envision happening in Virginia. This conclusion was based on over a decade of VA LE experience and lots of thoughts and discussions with fellow-minded LE. 

The Virginia State Police already have robust Drug (and gang) Task Forces (DTF) throughout the state. They are in every region. They are staffed by Troopers and officers detached from local agencies who are temporarily sworn in by State Police and given State Police powers of arrest (state-wide jurisdiction). Many agencies participate and even pay VSP for the privilege of having an officer on DTF. Why would an agency pay to have an officer join DTF? Because the agency that participates gets a slice of the asset forfeiture pie. There are very small agencies (less than 50 officers) that have multiple officers on DTF.

How does the DTF operate? Investigators use a low level dealer or user who may have just gotten arrested by patrol officers. They generally offer leniency in exchange for them working as an informant. DTF will set up controlled (recorded) drug transactions using informants and marked bills. They then use this as probable cause for a search warrant on the dealer. A good DTF investigator knows all the local players and plays allegiances off each other. The effect is that everyone in the drug game mistrusts everyone else and are suspicious that everyone is an informant.

This post is not knocking DTF. They are very professional and effective and take a lot of bad people bringing heroin and meth into our communities to jail. They aren't harassing people for weed. They bring down big players. 

But consider this model being used for a Firearms Task Force (FTF). As the head of the Executive Branch of Virginia Government, it would be within the Governor's power to order the Director of Public Safety and the Commandant of VSP to establish a FTF (remember when asked about confiscation, the Governor said he was working with the Director of Public Safety on that very issue?) 

Now consider the DTF model being used by a FTF in our communities. A casual shooter is stopped by patrol and charged with a Class 6 felony for a 30 round mag that he doesn't even know is illegal because he was one of the THOUSANDS of apathetic VA gun-owners who is too lazy to concern himself with the news (or even to vote). He is offered to have his charges dropped in exchange for working with the FTF. He doesn't really care about the 2A. He is a blue collar guy who has 4 kids in school and doesn't want to be in jail during the Super Bowl. They set him up with a wire and marked bills and have him buy some more magazines from someone maybe a bit more in the shooting community. Rinse, wash, repeat. 

The end result is mass mistrust and paranoia in the firearms community. Many wont comply with these laws, but they will be alone and isolated out of fear of being betrayed by their fellow gun-owners. This model requires few officers and little overhead. It is not widescale door-to-door confiscation, but rather a selective and effective targeted enforcement that uses gun-owners as a force-multiplier against each other. 

The framework is already established and well-entrenched in Virginia. We allow it because of the widescale public sentiment about drugs. But is there not a rapidly growing widescale negative public sentiment about guns? Why do you think the rhetoric by the left about guns has been accelerated so much, especially here? Nothing is by accident, and you can make damn sure they have a solid plan. 

Some will say local agencies will not assist a FTF. It is also within the Governor's power (through the DPS) to deny state funds to agencies who do not assist their local FTF. There will also be no shortage of volunteers. Task Force positions are highly sought after. Many young hard-charging patrol cops will jump on the opportunity to be a part of an "elite" team and get the opportunity to wear plain-clothes, grow beards, and work on high risk cases. 

Once again, this is not a negative post about drug task forces. They do some truly great work in the Commonwealth, and have the assistance of the feds through the DEA (potentially ATF for a FTF) and DHS Fusion Centers, as well as through the National Guard counter-drug program.

This is just some food for thought, and a bit of an explanation as to why I may not be as optimistic as some here.

The cross pollination between drug policy and firearms policy is very interesting. This goes beyond enforcement itself. The Harrison Narcotics Tax Act 1914, The Marijuana Tax Act 1937 and the National Firearms Act 1934 all share common legal structure.

Exactly. The framework has been long established.

Add to that the FBI's HRT that has trained in Quantico for "2A crazies " scenarios for 10yrs now and you have a forces that are already trained for this and they are local.

So, how do we strangle the source of funding? Leverage high level greed and push for a bill redirecting all seizures to a common fund? Constrain the use of forfeiture? Move to abolish assist forfeiture without criminal conviction?

ETA: It’s seems like a good avenue of attack. We might even be able to find allies in the drug legalization/libertarian movements.

Fortunately public sentiment seems to be shifting away from supporting asset forfeiture on both sides of the aisle. This potentially could have bipartisan support if presented correctly.

Remember when Matt Bracken's "Enemies Foreign and Domestic" was still fiction?

Curse that Fifth Amendment.

Amendment V

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Emphasis added.

It is amazing how simple the founding fathers made it for us. Too bad we have disregarded almost all of it.

Not optimistic, at all.

Y'all keep your powder dry.
Storms coming...

... wow, that is horrible

Me either. I am not trying to be a chicken little, but I see very little opportunity for any sort of positive outcome in this situation.

How exactly are guns being confiscated for public use? That's why the eminent domain argument is a failure.

...nor deprived of life liberty or property without due process of law...

There are other clauses in the Constitution enacting similar protections.

I wonder what the majority of VA LEO thinks about this.

They'll be the ones Inforcing it

Well, they were all related to the same peoples’ desire to subjugate dark people, so....

Drugs aren't being confiscated for public use. Rather, property (cash, vehicles, and even real estate) used in the manufacture, transport, storage, or distribution of drugs are confiscated. The same model could be used with property used to manufacture, transport, store, or distribute "illegal" firearms and firearm accessories.

Those so-called lawmakers have physical addresses don’t they? Shit, don’t let them in the building to vote, or don’t let them leave,Just sayin’- it’s not over till the fat lady sings..

Good video.

Most oppose it. Some support it.

Some won't participate and will quit. Most will probably participate, if ordered.

Agree that we need to think outside the box, but not sure if trying to tie gun ownership and drug legalization together is going to be a winning approach....

Definitely not. Unpopular or not, I oppose legalization. But asset forfeiture opposition has bipartisan support, and may be an effective tool if VSP adopts the model I presented above.

I understand and agree. But more and more I'm seeing gun owners use an eminent domain argument against confiscation. It's a non-starter.

Get ready for redistricting too.

This story explains how Eric Holder, Barack Obama, George Soros & others spent $50 million to win Virginia legislative seats to control the redistricting process.

Now they target a Texas takeover.

We’ll remind Eric Holder not to mess with Texas.

 https://t.co/bl9fWe3NPg

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) November 9, 2019

Thanks George Bush

Your black face governor says its ok for the mommie to choose after the baby is born if she wants  to keep him/her so there's that.

Leveraging legal gun owning militia types won't be the same as drug dealers.

In some ways, yes, you're right. Many ways actually.

Pinch the wrong group in the wrong locale and wheels start to turn.

Wheels like, State troopers take their cruisers home. So you know where they live. Remember the two PA troopers that got popped on a late night shift change when they were alone a few years ago?

Again. That's hardcore stuff, and you probably won't see it happen, but if you start pinching the harder 2A milita types, that's where it starts.  I hate that. I do. It's sad because right now, we are all kind of on the same side. But your average dope slinger, or even middle level dope guy, isn't the same as the guy who spent 3 tours over seas, came back different, and has nothing to lose. Not that last part. Nothing to lose.

This TF shit is FAR more likely in places like NoVA or richmond. VB? maaaayybe. NN/ Hampton? Yep. Rural tidewater? eheeehhhh.... Depends. I 81 corridor? LOL. Fuck no.

I've made the decision to leave Va, for my safety and my family's safety. I will not disarm, and will not submit to troopers showing up at my house to take my property. I have NFA. I've been on the right side of the law my entire life. I will not submit, comply or heel. I will leave, because that WILL endanger my family. It's in our best interest to leave.

We've already started downsizing, listing items for sale we won't take, and job hunting. Call me a coward all you want. If it was just me? I'd stay and dare them. It isn't, and I wont put her at the end of some over zealous trooper's weapon.

Bump

It wont when the Dems want to "get the guns off the street"

I remember when I said back in 2016 that Democrats were planning to strategically spread to red states from CA and NY and was criticized.

You are not alone, nor a coward.

Theres nothing wrong with that, but keep in mind, they, the left, will not stop, eventually you will have to stand your ground. I sincerely hope and pray things never come to that.

I too am considering moving when I return from deployment. I can't see myself allowing my tax-dollars to fund this gun legislation, sanctuary cities, abortion on demand until the point of birth, or anything else on the governor's wish list, and I certainly can't see myself enforcing these laws. I do feel like a coward though.

They said it would be impossible to go door to door and deport all the illegals. But confiscating guns.... it can and must be done.

Shits going to get interesting.

And there's the other side. Tax doll hairs. I will NOT pay these people to ruin my life. I won't pay them to disarm me and or make me a felon. I want to live among like minded people.

Hard? Jesus. I work at a particle accelerator. I moved here for this job. I'm just a tech, but I'm good at what I do. At least I like to think I am. My boss says I am. I LOVE this job. The benefits are superb. I'm even considering moving to just inside the NC border to keep it, but that is a short term solution. NC is not far behind Va. SC? Way further.  So then what? Sell? Rent and drive an hour? Over some guns? But its more than the guns. It's fundemental rights, and ideology.

My wife isn't well. She's not dying, but she has a debilitating genetic disorder. We have no kids. My job allows me to take excellent care of her.

I was due for a promotion to senior most tech this year. And here I am today, listing a treadmill, and downsizing. Prepping in case I move to SC.  This is painful. They want to laugh at my pain and snicker. That's who they are.

Why? Why all this?

Because if I stay here, and I'm pinched, there's a serious possibility I'll do something stupid. She needs me. I can't put that on her. I'm fucking tired of obeying the law and asking to be left alone, only to be laughed at and dared on. I want to live among like minded people. People who don't hate me. People who aren't trying to goad me into something.

I can't do this anymore, in this state. I have to leave, while I am still on the right side of the law,. and before they force me to give up my freedom, or my life. That's a choice I don't want to make when I have her to take care of.

I feel you, brother. My situation is not the same, but has commonalities. I have 11 years towards a Virginia Retirement. If I go anywhere else, I start from scratch. I have other marketable skills from the military, but jobs are almost entirely in the DC/NOVA area. I could move 10 miles west into WV and commute, but then I would still be working for the Commonwealth. I'm exploring many different options and possibilities at this point. Actively looking for jobs out of state.

The worst part for me is that I will be deployed when all of this goes into effect. I'll be gone for over a year. I am considering selling most of my collection and moving a few pieces to family out of state. I was derided on this very site for considering it. It isn't something I am considering lightly, but how can I ask my wife, the mother of my young children, to take the fall for keeping these newly illegal items and potentially taking the fall for them? I certainly can't move before I leave in a couple weeks.

The whole thing sucks. I love this state. My family have been here since the mid 18th century. Many of my ancestors fought and died for this state and country, both here and abroad. 10, even 5, years ago I couldn't fathom ever leaving. Now I can't fathom staying.

I am a stranger in my own state. My heart is broken.

Anyone that participates is a traitor, as they have violated their oath.

Funny you mention that. I walked around work yesterday, and it felt foreign. Same with the commute. It feels strange.

Don't take this as a personal attack, as you're very vocal against tyranny, but law enforcement like you will be exempt from gun laws. Your LEO unions support the Democrats and will insure there are exemptions in the law for you and your retired buddies.

You wear a badge, took an oath, so what are you and your buddies going to do for us or against the state?

Who are all of theses squishy voters swayed by adds?

They could spend 50 mil on adds convincing me to vote dem and it wouldn’t work.

The very fact that a discussion of "taking up arms as the last resort" is even being brought up SHOULD be a wake up call for the Country.
This alone is very saddening to me. I dont want to see our great USA become the likes of VZ, or some other poorly run country.
Most people I know are ok with just laws that keep most people on the same moral and legal line. BUT, when the law makers are using their "authority" for personal gain and forcing others to relinquish liberty, it pisses me of to no end.

The majority of folks have ZERO respect for the COTUS, the very thing that gives them EVERYTHING that they hold near and dear. In my opinion, we have strayed away from the very thing that makes this nation the greatest on the planet.

Like I keep saying, when do we stop playing by the rules like the politicians have done?

Its going to go really badly for this country if we dont stop and re-evaluate our priorities.

I’m still having a hard time wrapping my head around how state/localities can pass laws contrary to Heller vs DC—wasn’t “in common use” a big part of Heller? There are millions of AR’s in common use showing the “weapons of war” nonsense to be a joke.

As a VA resident (even worse in NOVA) def concerning. Expect they’ll start with incremental stuff like more red flag and UBI’s before they go for what they really want. 2020 will be interesting.

Not taking it as an attack at all. I understand where you are coming from. I have already decided if I am still in LE when these laws pass I will not carry or use anything my fellow citizens cant. If that means 10-round magazines or a revolver so be it. Most won't, and will use what they are allowed to use.

I would like to see agency heads form a coalition to address the governor and fight these laws. I think some may, but certainly not all. I think you, and everyone in VA, should ask the agency head of their jurisdiction this very question you asked me.

You know my personal feelings on it.

they did it in Washington state last go-round..

fuckers

To be fair that model works both ways. It only takes one or two sympathetic folks inside the operation to pass information to the opposition on the participants before the whole scheme becomes unworkable as participants are forced to reassess how those career goals align, or dont, with other new realities on the ground. Just saying...

They'll try it everywhere. Why not? It works. NC, GA, TX, etc...

SC seems pretty damned safe.