Good morning, 

Here is today's Texas Minute.

– Michael Quinn Sullivan 

Thursday, February 11, 2021
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• Democrats have your Second Amendment rights in their sights.
   

• U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Houston) has filed legislation to create a national firearms registry. Joshua Pierce reports the Houston Democrat’s legislation would also mandate national licensing for gun owners. Her measure would also affect which firearms could be owned, criminalizing “large-capacity magazines,” defined as those holding more than 10 rounds and “ammunition that is 0.50 caliber or greater.” 
     

• Opponents argue such a registry would make it very easy to enact gun confiscation in the future. Meanwhile, the proposed federal license would include a psychological evaluation to determine whether the interviewee is “competent” enough to own a firearm.

• Remember that national survey by Scott Rasmussen we mentioned yesterday, which found 72 percent of voters “think political elites believe they are superior to everyday Americans.”
       
• This is probably best explained by the simple fact of the political elites’ words and actions every day telling Americans precisely that.

• Fortunately, there are a folks in office like State Rep. Mayes Middleton (R-Wallisville). He has introduced a series of reforms aimed at forcing ethics and transparency on government officials and lobbyists. Iris Poole has the details.
      
• One proposal (House Bill 1702) would prevent legislators from lobbying immediately after leaving office, while a second (House Bill 1703) would require officials to disclose which of their immediate families or subsidiaries are beneficiaries of their role as a government official. Lastly, Middleton’s House Bill 1704 would require lobbyists to report their activities on a monthly basis, rather than a yearly report, for more transparency.

• In the newest edition of Liberty Cafe, Bill Peacock explores how corporate cronyism – the partnership between big government and big business – is on its way to becoming the greatest threat to liberty.

• As decided by Republican Speaker Dade Phelan (Beaumont), the House Business and Industry Committee is being chaired by Chris Turner (D–Grand Prairie) – who also happens to be the chairman of the House Democrat Caucus. Jeramy Kitchen examines what Texans can expect from that arrangement.

• If you’re looking to escape the clutches of Big Tech, join me in ditching Big Mobile. I’m using Patriot Mobile: they lead with their principles... and are supporters of Texas Scorecard. Great service and good folks!

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