A November 30th guest post by George Reimann reported that Idaho Falls Mayor Jared Fuhriman had joined New York City Mayor Bloomberg, and other big-city liberal mayors, in a questionable attempt to “get illegal guns off the streets”.

Today the Idaho Falls newspaper reports Fuhriman has learned his lesson about getting involved in something with even a hint of gun control. Apparently Fuhriman “felt the heat” from George’s piece, which was also e-mailed around town.

Now, as the only Idaho mayor to sign on with Bloomberg in the first place, Fuhriman has withdrawn from the project. Why didn’t Fuhriman already understand Idahoans don’t like it when leaders mess with their guns?

Fuhriman has done the right thing now, but what does his initial eagerness to jump on the bandwagon reveal about him? Once again, citizens of Idaho Falls learn their mayor doesn’t understand Idahoans, even though he grew up here. He continues to demonstrate the police department mentality that believes the people need to be protected from themselves, with or (as in this case) without their knowledge or participation.

To put that attitude in perspective, consider the words and actions of the constitutional law enforcement officer in the county, Bonneville County Sheriff Byron Stommel. Stommel understands his mandate to protect the constitutional rights of the citizens, not just their persons and property from criminals. He spoke out publicly against former Governor Jim Risch’s attack on Rex Rammell’s livestock, which happened to be elk. Stommel “gets it”, and Fuhriman doesn’t even seem to try.

As stated before, it’s not too late for Fuhriman to educate himself on the Constitution, his role as mayor, and the political climate of his corner of Idaho. I believe the desire is there to do the right thing for Idaho Falls.

He needs to recognize that his training and natural inclination are not the best guides for his actions as mayor. And he needs to listen to someone in addition to Ida Hardcastle and Linda Milam for advice. (Note: I didn’t say “instead of”.)

Come to think of it, I don’t believe even those two liberals would have recommended joining Mayor Bloomberg in this ill-advised gun grab. Who IS Jared Fuhriman listening to?