By Richard Rossi, Delaware County SCOPE 

First let me say the whole RE-CERTIFICATION process is 'vague and unclear' - which is exactly to be expected from our lawmakers and Governor in Albany. We are now into another phase of the ill conceived, illegal SAFE Act. 

First and foremost, I am 100% against any criminals, terrorists, drug traffickers, drug dealers/ users, gang members, mentally unstable individuals or illegal's having access to ANY weapons what-soever; however, this does not give anyone (President, Congress, Governor, Mayor, any elected official) the right to infringe on any individual’s Constitutional Rights - PERIOD. We have laws in this country which must be obeyed or we no longer exist as a nation. These officials took an oath to preserve and protect our Constitution/Bill of Rights. 

At first glance why do we need a RE-CERTIFICATION process at all? What is its purpose, and is there a 'real' need for this? Is Governor Cuomo saying that our County Sheriffs and Judges are NOT doing their jobs? Is he saying that they are lax in enforcing the laws and revoking any and all licenses of those who become convicted felons? 

Unfortunately, these questions need to be answered by our Governor; however, I will not hold my breath waiting for an answer. Remember, our Governor BELIEVES he is the supreme ruler of NYS. He is not accountable to 'We The People' - the peasants. And Gods know, we citizens in Upstate are not even worth thinking about. 

Based on my analysis of the SAFE Act and recertification initiative, the recertification process is a pure waste of tax payers’ money. It is NOT going to catch any hard-core criminals. Heck, they don't even register their weapons in the first place. They probably could not get past a background check. So what is it? 

It is being done to get weapons out of the hands of law-abiding citizens based on technicalities, failure to comprehend the law fully, and glitches in our judicial system and just plain and simple 'errors'; the wrong individual being 'tagged'. 

Just remember all the individuals that were incorrectly added to the 'NO FLY LIST' and the 'TERRORIST WATCH' list. 

You say, ‘I have a clean record' therefore I should have NO problem getting re-certified. I have nothing to hide getting re-certified. Really, think about the mental health provisions in the SAFE Act law. Your HIPPA Rights are gone. You are at the mercy of ANY health care professional. 

Think about your last visit to your doctor. Does he/she know you are a gun owner? Has he/she asked you any questions about your firearms? Did he ask how you store your firearms? Forget the doctor; did you mention something to the nurse or receptionist? Did they ask if you are DEPRESSED or have any ANXIETY ISSUES OR CONCERNS? Did you mention that you are having problems with your boss, children, wife, co-workers, family members or friends or neighbors? Did you say you wanted something to sleep because of these conditions? Did you ask about a marriage counselor for your 'shaky' marriage or ask for a name of counselor to address your children's behavior problems? Did you make a 'stupid' statement while talking to them about wanting someone dead? At times, under stress we say stupid things that we would never follow through on - right? 

Surprise, you may have been profiled as someone who might be or has the potential of being a seriously violent individual that should NOT have possession of firearms either now or years in the future. 

Your name will be sent to the State database WITHOUT you having any knowledge. You will not be given any 'due-process' - as required, OR the right to defend yourself against your accuser. BINGO, your license has been REVOKED. 

Names have been going to this data base for a couple of years now. Now you understand why the recertification was delayed until 2017? 

It even gets more scarier. They are looking to revoke licenses of Senior Citizens who need assistance with their daily finances and have made a family member 'legally' responsible for their affairs. They are looking to revoke licenses of our returning service men and women, claiming they may be unstable because of the conflicts they saw and were involved in. 

We are on a slippery slope if we let this continue without outrage - our Constitutional Rights and Freedoms as American's will be gone just because we are law-abiding gun owners. This is clearly discrimination against a class of citizens. You have been assumed GUILTY and you had no opportunity to defend yourself - let alone know you have been accused. 

Now that we have a true President in the White House, it is time to speak out and say we will not take it anymore. However, don't for one second think the 'war' is over. We have just achieved one victory in the battle to FREEDOM. 

We have achieved one victory - now, on to Albany. Think about 2018, start now - Cuomo must be defeated. It can be achieved, IF we put the effort into it each and every day. Get involved, keep contacting your NYS Assemblymen and Senators - let them know you are outraged with "business as usual in Albany". We The People will not have our Rights/Freedoms infringed any longer. 

This is NOT a battle for gun owners ONLY, it is a battle for ALL true American Citizens. As our Second Amendment goes, the rest will surely follow. I fully respect your right not to have a firearm - I only ask you to respect my right to have one. 

No one would say “I did not speak-out because it did not affect me”. When it does affect you, will there be anyone left to speak out? This is a fight that ALL American's must battle.