By C. J. Garbo | Guest Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice
Colorado stands at a critical crossroads. Senate Bill 3, which has already cleared its committee hurdle, is scheduled for a full Senate vote this Friday, Feb. 7.
This bill, if passed, will be a devastating blow to the constitutional rights of every law-abiding Coloradan, marking a dangerous descent into anti-freedom territory that betrays the very principles upon which this nation was founded.
SB 3 seeks to prohibit the manufacture, distribution, transfer, sale and purchase of a broad category of semiautomatic firearms and devices that increase the rate of fire. This is not just a simple regulation; it is a direct, unapologetic assault on the 2nd Amendment, which clearly states, “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”
There is no ambiguity in these words. They are the cornerstone of American liberty, designed to ensure that the people retain the means to defend themselves against tyranny, foreign and domestic.
The proponents of this bill will argue that it is about safety, but make no mistake — this is about control. Law-abiding gun owners are not the problem. Stripping them of their rights will do nothing to deter criminals, who by definition do not follow the law. Instead, it leaves honest citizens defenseless while empowering those who seek to do harm.
A slippery slope toward authoritarianism
If SB 3 passes the Senate, it will likely breeze through the House and land on Gov. Jared Polis’s desk. For a man with aspirations for higher office, signing this bill would position him as one of the most anti-2nd Amendment governors in the nation. It would solidify Colorado’s place as one of the most anti-gun, anti-freedom states in America.
Let’s be clear — this isn’t just about guns. This is about the erosion of personal freedoms. History teaches us that when governments disarm their citizens, oppression follows. This bill is a blatant overreach that not only undermines the 2nd Amendment, but also sets a dangerous precedent for the curtailment of other constitutional rights. If the government can so easily infringe upon this fundamental freedom, what will stop it from infringing upon others?
Beyond the constitutional crisis, SB 3 will have profound economic consequences. Colorado’s firearm industry, which includes small businesses, retailers, and manufacturers, will be decimated. Jobs will be lost, businesses will close, and local economies will suffer. This bill will not only strip individuals of their rights but also cripple a vital sector of our state’s economy.
Moreover, this legislation will do nothing to improve public safety.
Violent crime will not decrease because law-abiding citizens are stripped of their means of self-defense. In fact, it may increase as criminals become emboldened, knowing that their potential victims are less likely to be armed. The government’s failure to protect its citizens while simultaneously disarming them is a recipe for disaster.
This is a pivotal moment for Colorado. We must stand united against this unconstitutional overreach. Contact your senators before Thursday at 3 p.m. and demand that they vote NO on SB 3. Even if your district’s senator has already made up their mind, call the others. Flood their inboxes, jam their phone lines, and make it clear that Coloradans will not stand idly by while their freedoms are stripped away.
If the bill passes the Senate, we will have another opportunity to fight in the House. Attend hearings, speak out, and make your voice heard. This is not just about gun owners — this is about every Coloradan who values freedom and the rule of law.
The bottom line
SB 3 is a direct assault on the 2nd Amendment and an affront to every freedom-loving citizen in Colorado. We cannot allow fear-mongering and political posturing to override the Constitution. The right to bear arms is non-negotiable. The people of Colorado must rise up, speak out, and defend their rights against this blatant government overreach. The future of our freedoms depends on it.
Take Action Today. Protect Your Rights Tomorrow.
C. J. Garbo is a seasoned law enforcement veteran with over 15 years of service in Colorado. He is a certified graduate of the FBI LEEDA Command Institute for Law Enforcement Executives and a respected political strategist, having served in key roles across numerous Republican campaigns at the local, state, and federal levels. With a B.A. in Political Science from Metropolitan State University, Garbo combines his deep understanding of constitutional law, public safety, and governance to advocate for the protection of civil liberties and the Second Amendment.
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.