A member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors recently announced his intention to introduce legislation aimed at prohibiting security guards from drawing weapons to defend property. In a tweet posted on Wednesday, Dean Preston, a Democratic socialist, expressed his belief that human lives should take precedence over material possessions.
“Today, I’m announcing legislation to limit use of guns by security guards. We must amend local law to prohibit guards from drawing weapons just to protect property. Human life is more important than property,” he stated.
Today, I’m announcing legislation to limit use of guns by security guards. We must amend local law to prohibit guards from drawing weapons just to protect property. Human life is more important than property. pic.twitter.com/A3KsOp8yTd
— Dean Preston (@DeanPreston) May 9, 2023
Preston’s announcement immediately ignited a flurry of responses on social media platforms, with a significant number of critics questioning the proposal’s viability and efficacy.
One Twitter user, Christina Pushaw, agreed with the sentiment that human life holds greater value but argued for personal responsibility and the right to self-defense.
She proposed an alternative perspective, stating, “I agree human life is more important than property, but everyone has the right to defend their property and their life. So here’s an idea… perhaps the criminals who steal other people’s property should place a higher value on their own lives and stop doing crime?”
I agree human life is more important than property, but everyone has the right to defend their property and their life. So here’s an idea… perhaps the criminals who steal other people’s property should place a higher value on their own lives, and stop doing crime?
— Christina Pushaw 🐊 🇺🇸 (@ChristinaPushaw) May 9, 2023
Another user voiced their frustration, pointing out the escalating crime rates in San Francisco and the adverse impact on local businesses.
“Are u purposely trying to make your city even more of a shithole and push people and businesses out?” they wrote.
Are u purposely trying to make your city even more of a shithole and push people and businesses out?
— Hodgetwins (@hodgetwins) May 10, 2023
The proposed legislation faced additional criticism from individuals highlighting concerns about protecting law-abiding citizens and the potential unintended consequences of limiting self-defense measures. T.J. Moe expressed his discontent, tweeting, “Stop trying to pass more laws to protect criminals. That’s insane behavior. Pass laws protecting law-abiding citizens.”
Kimberly Morin suggested that the legislation would be some sort of invitation for more criminals as an increased presence of firearms among property owners could serve as a deterrent to potential criminals.
If more people used firearms to protect their property, there would be LESS criminals seeking to take it or destroy it. 🤡
— Kimberly Morin (@Conservativeind) May 9, 2023
According to his official website, Preston is a proponent of “fundamental change” across all levels of government. As a self-proclaimed Democratic Socialist, he advocates for policies such as Medicare for All, social housing, and free education, which he believes will contribute to a dignified, productive, and healthy life for all citizens.
As San Francisco grapples with rising crime rates and the need to balance public safety with individual rights, the potential impact of such legislation on the city’s security landscape remains a topic of intense debate.
It is expected that further deliberations, public hearings, and consultations will take place to assess the feasibility and potential implications of Preston’s proposed legislation before any decision is made by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
