The idea, proposed by town resident Craig Rummel, is an attempt to gain the attention of state legislature. Craig believes that the Democrat-controlled state senate is overlooking the needs and desires of western and rural residents.
"For too long, the state Legislature has been hammering us," Craig said. "They're destroying our economy. Our voices are not being heard, but if we pass an ordinance, it will go viral, and then they'll be forced to listen to us."
The proposed ordinance would include exemptions for those not mentally or physically capable of operating a firearm, those who cannot afford a firearm, and those who oppose owning a firearm for personal or religious reasons.
Although town council members agreed with the defiant message Rummel wants to send, they also agreed that the town should not pass an ordinance simply for the sake of sending a message. Council member Ray Beck brought up the idea of submitting the ordinance in the form of a resolution, which is more of a statement of belief rather than an enforceable law.
Rummel insisted that his proposal is not just about guns, but about the economy as well. Many in the town of Craig rely on hunting for income, and the state's recent gun control bill effectively outlaws several gun accessories that hunters frequently make use of.
"This is about more than just guns, this is about protecting our economy," Rummel said. "This is an opportunity for us to protect and defend our economy, culture and heritage of Northwest Colorado."
Other members in the town council warned that the ordinance would bring the wrong kind of attention to the town of Craig.
"The state of Colorado is the laughingstock of the country," council member Don Jones said. "We've passed an amendment legalizing marijuana that violates federal law and we've passed gun laws that violate the Second Amendment. I don't think passing an ordinance requiring all residents to own an AK-47 is the type of attention Craig wants."
Whether the ordinance is eventually passed, rejected, or submitted as a resolution remains to be seen. However, Craig Town Mayor Terry Carwile indicated that the council is keeping an open mind when it comes to the proposal.
"There is enough support up here of what you are saying, and I think there's room for you to convince us," he said. "The bottom line is we don't need to make a decision tonight, but you have some work to do."
"I don't think passing an ordinance requiring all residents to own an AK-47 is the type of attention Craig wants."
Note that he didn't say "AR-15", the civilian version of the US military M16 or M4 5.56mm (.223) caliber standard issue infantry rifle. The US Army got seduced by that stupid design during the Viet Nam War in the 1960s, back when US Defense Secretary Robert McNamara had his cadre of MBAs running the Pentagon. The only advantage of the M16 was that it fired the small and light 5.56mm round instead of the larger, heavier 7.62mm (.30) caliber NATO round, so troops could carry more ammunition into the field. The only trouble is, the round is not effective.
The Russian designed AK-47 rifle, on the other hand, fires a 7.62mm round that is just as effective as the .30 cal ammunition of the US M14 rifle that the US military used previously, the update to the M1 Garand that was the US military infantry rifle during WWII and the Korean War.
The .223 is a varmint round, useful only for range pests like prairie dogs and jackrabbits. If you ever have to shoot a man who intends to kill you, you'll want to have a .30 caliber rifle like an AK-47 or M14 to do the job.