I
InternetHero
Guest
The story is a little old, however, I think the issue is really relevant for a nuanced debate on gun control.
---- The political angle---
The Republican governor of Oklahoma, one of the nation's reddest states, vetoed a bill late Friday that would have permitted adults to carry firearms without a permit.
The move by Gov. Mary Fallin marked a rare defeat in such a conservative state by the National Rifle Association, which strongly backed the measure.
--- The social angle---
Fallin cited opposition from the business community and law enforcement authorities for her decision. In a statement announcing the veto, Fallin emphasized her support for the Second Amendment and the right to bear arms and noted she has previously signed concealed and open carry measures.
“I believe the firearms laws we currently have in place are effective, appropriate and minimal,” she said. Fallin noted that the bill also would have eliminated the requirement for a training course and reduced the level of background checks to carry a firearm.
The veto drew the immediate ire of the NRA. "Make no mistake, this temporary setback will be rectified when Oklahoma residents elect a new and genuinely pro-Second Amendment governor," said Chris Cox, NRA executive director for legislative affairs.
He said the governor, who is not permitted under state law to run for a third term, was ignoring her promise during her 2014 re-election campaign to back a "constitutional carry" gun law.
---------------------------------------------------------
Full story here: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news...g-adults-carry-gun-without-license/604716002/
While I do not live in the United States 9 months out of the year, I have a license to carry a concealed handgun. My instructor, a very affable former police officer, said this issue really divided him.
The former police officer stipulated that:
1. As an absolute, he felt people had a right to defend themselves.
2. As a police officer, he considered some choice individuals too incompetent and dangerous to carry a handgun.
In considering this, and having taken the course I would say having a "concealed carry" permit with few regulations is probably the best way to go.
Pro-Handgun license benefits
- You eliminate most of the crazies and delinquents, and let's be honest, there are a few of them in any community and we probably do not want them carrying weapons in a legal capacity.
- The tests are usually simple, and should be simple to adhere to the intent of the 2nd Amendment.
The tests also teach (in most states) valuable lessons for -
A. Conflict deescalation
B. An idea of the situations when it is legal, advisable, and even ethical to use the threat of deadly force, or to use deadly force
C. Provides practical knowledge and the most basic training for a lot of people who want to carry a handgun but would never go to a gun range, know how to really operate their weapon ECT. while adding tips and training for how to carry safely.
All for a minimal cost, around 8 hours of time varying by State, and has the added benefit of this - If your State has a license, it can be recognized in even some Blue States, and has the civil benefit of giving citizen's of Blue States security and recognition that the person practicing concealed carry is a good guy and not a goofball.
I can understand someone wanting absolute-freedom to carry a gun or knife or samurai sword, but given the seriousness and power of weapons, having a minimal threshold of understanding and training seems like the right thing to do.
Anyone disagree?
---- The political angle---
The Republican governor of Oklahoma, one of the nation's reddest states, vetoed a bill late Friday that would have permitted adults to carry firearms without a permit.
The move by Gov. Mary Fallin marked a rare defeat in such a conservative state by the National Rifle Association, which strongly backed the measure.
--- The social angle---
Fallin cited opposition from the business community and law enforcement authorities for her decision. In a statement announcing the veto, Fallin emphasized her support for the Second Amendment and the right to bear arms and noted she has previously signed concealed and open carry measures.
“I believe the firearms laws we currently have in place are effective, appropriate and minimal,” she said. Fallin noted that the bill also would have eliminated the requirement for a training course and reduced the level of background checks to carry a firearm.
The veto drew the immediate ire of the NRA. "Make no mistake, this temporary setback will be rectified when Oklahoma residents elect a new and genuinely pro-Second Amendment governor," said Chris Cox, NRA executive director for legislative affairs.
He said the governor, who is not permitted under state law to run for a third term, was ignoring her promise during her 2014 re-election campaign to back a "constitutional carry" gun law.
---------------------------------------------------------
Full story here: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news...g-adults-carry-gun-without-license/604716002/
While I do not live in the United States 9 months out of the year, I have a license to carry a concealed handgun. My instructor, a very affable former police officer, said this issue really divided him.
The former police officer stipulated that:
1. As an absolute, he felt people had a right to defend themselves.
2. As a police officer, he considered some choice individuals too incompetent and dangerous to carry a handgun.
In considering this, and having taken the course I would say having a "concealed carry" permit with few regulations is probably the best way to go.
Pro-Handgun license benefits
- You eliminate most of the crazies and delinquents, and let's be honest, there are a few of them in any community and we probably do not want them carrying weapons in a legal capacity.
- The tests are usually simple, and should be simple to adhere to the intent of the 2nd Amendment.
The tests also teach (in most states) valuable lessons for -
A. Conflict deescalation
B. An idea of the situations when it is legal, advisable, and even ethical to use the threat of deadly force, or to use deadly force
C. Provides practical knowledge and the most basic training for a lot of people who want to carry a handgun but would never go to a gun range, know how to really operate their weapon ECT. while adding tips and training for how to carry safely.
All for a minimal cost, around 8 hours of time varying by State, and has the added benefit of this - If your State has a license, it can be recognized in even some Blue States, and has the civil benefit of giving citizen's of Blue States security and recognition that the person practicing concealed carry is a good guy and not a goofball.
I can understand someone wanting absolute-freedom to carry a gun or knife or samurai sword, but given the seriousness and power of weapons, having a minimal threshold of understanding and training seems like the right thing to do.
Anyone disagree?
