Shut Up and Carry a Big Gun

Last Thursday Mark Neumann traveled the state with a big old rifle and a brand new NRA cap to prove that he's the 2nd Amendiest candidate in the race for governor.

Two days later, Neumann shot the First Amendment right in the head. The assault wasn't subtle or unintentional, and it was quite clear from the gleam in his eyes and smile on his face that Neumann was enjoying every minute of the kill.

The open shot came at the Democratic convention in Middleton when a reporter asked Neumann what he thought about the Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United. The ruling says government can't ban corporations from spending money in elections.

"I think they should shut down every outside source of information in campaigns except the candidates themselves..."

"Whether that's not constitutional so we obviously can't do that. But if Mark Neumann got to have what he wished, that's what would happen sir."

Here's what the NRA had to say about the Citizens United case and Congress' attempt to shut down outside sources of information in campaigns:

"That kind of arrogant disregard for the free speech of Americans is something the NRA will stand against just as we stand against the erosion of the Second Amendment liberty of all Americans. In the end, each right exists to protect the other."

And in response to the Supreme Court's decision in Wisconsin Right to Life v FEC, NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre said:

"The decision will have a major impact on the NRA's ability to reach the American people with our public policy messages about firearm rights."

Neumann arrogantly disregards lots of things, like the right of disabled people to fish on his lake. When it comes to the NRA, I guess Neumann just signed up for the cool hat.