NJ - Progress under Christie?

[DoubleTap45]

It seems that even Chistie, who was always cool on the RKBA, has suddenly been hit between the eyes with the stupidity of the Jersey gun laws since having to review the Aitken Case and then commuting the sentence.

With that in mind and the makeup of the famously corrupt NJ legislature (dominated by about 5 cities) is there ANY chance of changing the status of gun ownership from being exemption based to an actual right?

Ray

[azreb]

From what I read, he commuted the sentence to pacify the RKBA group, most of whom won't realize he did not pardon the man--he remains a felon. Doesn't sound to me like there is any change in the wind.

After seeing a video of Christie dealing with a teachers' union rep I thought he might be a reasonable candidate to replace Obama. However, after learning more about his RKBA stance, I think not.

[DoubleTap45]

I don't think he's a panderer but he is cool on the RKBA. He needs a thorough lesson in the outrages inflicted on Jersey gun owners on a regular basis. I assume you don't want Corsine back.

[azreb]

Since I live on the other side of the country, I am not very familiar with east coast politics. I assume Corsine was worse than Christie.

I read an article on another site a few days ago that said presenting facts to someone who has deep seated beliefs can have the effect of further strengthening his stand, even though logic shows his error. Maybe it would be more effective to find a strong candidate to replace him.

[Aguila Blanca]

It was my understanding that Aitkens requested commutation rather than a pardon, because a pardon would essentially have said, "You're guilty, but we'll give you a free pass because otherwise you're a good guy." If he had been pardoned, he would no longer be able to pursue an appeal in court. I have been under the impression that Aitkens wants to pursue the appeal so he can have the conviction reversed, rather than pardoned.

Is this incorrect?

[DoubleTap45]

Evan Nappen is a friend on Facebook. I think you're onto something. Either way he'd have gotten his rights back eventually but by fighting for a REVERSAL I think this lays the ground to have an Appeals Court strike down elements of the NJ law that allow the local authorities to run roughshod over gun owners' rights.

Ray

[azreb]

It was my understanding that Aitkens requested commutation rather than a pardon, because a pardon would essentially have said, "You're guilty, but we'll give you a free pass because otherwise you're a good guy." If he had been pardoned, he would no longer be able to pursue an appeal in court. I have been under the impression that Aitkens wants to pursue the appeal so he can have the conviction reversed, rather than pardoned.

Is this incorrect?
I hadn't heard this. That is interesting. I hope it works out for him. I don't know that I would want to take the risk if I were in that situation. If he loses the appeal, he will still be a felon without the right to own firearms.