I’ve handled firearms in some of the world’s most dangerous places. From my time as a Marine to my years as a security contractor protecting American personnel overseas, I’ve learned one truth: a weapon is only as responsible as the person wielding it. That’s why when I see legislation like Washington State’s House Bill 1163, I can’t help but wonder if lawmakers understand what they’re actually doing to law-abiding citizens.
This bill, which passed along party lines with a 58-38 vote, requires prospective gun owners to obtain permits and complete safety courses before purchasing firearms. On the surface, who could argue against safety training? I’ve conducted countless training sessions myself. But this isn’t really about safety.
It’s about barriers.
When Good Intentions Create Real Harm
During my recovery after Benghazi, I saw firsthand how systems designed to help can actually hinder those who need support most. The same principle applies here. This legislation adds layers of bureaucracy, cost, and delay to a constitutional right – effectively turning it into a privilege for those with time, money, and resources.
The $13.7 million earmarked for the next state budget to implement this system could be better spent addressing mental health services or supporting law enforcement. Instead, it creates a complex permitting process that won’t stop criminals but will burden the law-abiding.
Think about the single mother living in a remote part of Washington who wants protection for her family. Or the veteran dealing with PTSD who finds comfort in the sporting aspects of responsible gun ownership. These people aren’t threats to public safety – they’re exactly who might be harmed by this bill.
The Constitutional Question Isn’t Theoretical
Republicans opposing this bill have called it an infringement on constitutional rights. They’re correct. The Second Amendment doesn’t come with an asterisk saying “after proper permitting and fees.” Rights don’t work that way.
In my years serving this country, both in uniform and as a contractor, I’ve seen what happens when governments start treating rights as privileges they can regulate or revoke. It never ends well.
The enhanced background checks and mandatory safety courses might sound reasonable, but they function as a poll tax – charging citizens to exercise their constitutional rights. We would never accept this for voting or free speech. Why accept it for the Second Amendment?
Who Really Benefits From This Legislation?
Supporters claim this bill will keep firearms from the black market and improve public safety. My experience tells me otherwise. Those intent on breaking the law won’t suddenly start following new permit requirements. They’ll continue obtaining weapons through illegal channels.
Meanwhile, the system creates a de facto registry of gun owners – something that makes many Americans deeply uncomfortable, and rightly so. Throughout history, registration has often preceded confiscation.
The real beneficiaries? Politicians who can claim they’ve “done something” about gun violence without addressing root causes like mental health, family breakdown, and cultural decay.
The Family Protection Perspective
At Shadow Warriors Project, we support families of American contractors who serve their country behind enemy lines. These brave men and women understand something fundamental about security: ultimate responsibility lies with the individual.
When seconds count, police are minutes away. This isn’t a criticism of law enforcement – it’s simple reality. Especially in rural areas where response times can be significantly longer.
Placing additional barriers between families and their ability to protect themselves doesn’t serve the public good. It potentially leaves the vulnerable more exposed.
Finding Better Solutions
I believe in firearms training. I’ve dedicated significant portions of my life to it. But I also believe that safety education should be incentivized, not mandated as a precondition to exercising a constitutional right.
Want to promote gun safety? Make voluntary courses more accessible. Provide tax incentives for safe storage equipment. Support community-based education programs. Partner with veterans’ organizations that already have expertise in safe handling procedures.
These approaches would achieve safety goals without infringing on rights or disproportionately impacting those of modest means.
The Path Forward
As this bill moves to the State Senate, I hope lawmakers will reconsider its implications. Not just the constitutional questions, but the practical impact on everyday citizens who are simply trying to exercise their rights responsibly.
God, Country, Family – these values guide our work at Shadow Warriors Project, and they should guide policy decisions too. When legislation undermines rather than upholds these foundations, we all lose something precious.
I’ve served alongside men and women who gave everything to protect American freedoms. Some paid the ultimate price. Their sacrifice deserves better than legislation that treats law-abiding citizens like potential criminals while doing little to address actual crime.
Washington can do better. Its citizens deserve better.
And when it comes to balancing safety with liberty, we should always err on the side of freedom.
Blog | Mark Geist 