Posted on 10/31/2006 3:23:16 PM PST by neverdem
Governor George Pataki signed a new gun law Tuesday in Albany that will raise the minimum mandatory sentence for possession of a loaded illegal weapon to three and a half years.
"That message is going to get out in the city; that message is going to get out in every corner of this state; and I believe this one law is going to save many lives," said Pataki.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg lobbied for the bill, which passed the legislature in June. He's also been meeting with mayors across the country to push for tougher gun laws. He has made gun control a cornerstone of his second term and pressed hard to close the loophole that allowed almost half of those convicted to escape even a minimum sentence of parole.
"That loophole was one of the worst examples of turnstile justice. Beginning today, sentences will be as they should be: severe," said Bloomberg.
With the new law in place, those convicted could receive up to 15 years in prison.
"Think about it. You're a cop on the beat, you see someone engaging in illegal activity and you risk your life to go arrest that person," said the governor. "That person has a loaded, illegal handgun tucked in the waste of their pants and they can walk the street the next day because many of those whom that law enforcement officer risked their life to convict were out on the street, given parole. No more."
While waging his war on illegal guns, Mayor Bloomberg has at times been extremely critical of the National Rifle Association with a fervor that Governor Pataki hasn't shared.
On Tuesday Bloomberg and Pataki also appeared to part ways on whether concealed weapons should be banned in cities. The mayor said at first that he didn't think it makes sense for civilians to have concealed guns. He then revised his stance, saying the permit process should be stricter. The governor had a different opinion.
"I think the law that we have is a very good law," said Pataki. "And right now you have to have a permit. And I think that's appropriate."
The Republican governor is eyeing a run for the White House and is perhaps mindful of the role the NRA plays in selecting Republican candidates.
In considering a White House run, Pataki has traveled to more socially-conservative voting districts where he has said it's up to the individual states to decide whether to adopt tougher gun laws.
This always works. /s
EWWWW!!!
Here in Boston we have Mayor Mumbles Menino's infamous "gun buyback program," where crackheads show up with two or three Saturday Night Specials and redeem them for cash which they use to buy one brand new firearm!
Riiiiight. So hardened criminals willing to risk decades or perhaps life in prison for assault, robbery, rape, murder, etc are going to be deterred by a possible 42 months for a gun possession charge?
ROFLMAO!!
I wonder if the "waste" would jam the action?
I don't want to think about it.
What is an illegal weapon?
That should not be possible except when it has been used in the commission of a crime and is seized for evidence.
Move out. The ones left deserve each other.
The Dhimicraps want everyone disarmed so they can impose oppressive fascist laws for our "own good" so we can all be safe and "equal" and "for the children".
I know the criminals and thugs will cheerfully obay these laws.
Why can the Dhims just never figure out that the criminals just don't give a damn.
The only thing that stops them is knowing that a responsible armed citizen might shoot back and maybe first. That's what prevents crimes.
How about "cracking down" on violent felons for a change? Build enough prisons to lock them up or enough gallows to execute them, I don't care which, just stop this grandstanding bullsh!t and do something that's been proven to work.
Just what is an "illegal" gun. Obviously the gun itself cannot be illegal. What makes a gun "illegal" is human action.
What is an illegal gun? Let me count the ways.
1. A gun in the possession of a law-abiding citizen.
2. An unregistered gun.
3. A gun used in self-defense.
4. A gun collected as a hobby.
5. A gun used for target practice
6. A gun used in any sport
Get it?
The goal is to make the possession of a gun illegal.
How about cracking down on illegal aliens? Oh wait, that would make sense.
And don't get me started about the CRACK down!
Cut and Run? Hmmm...
Well, I'm not one to say anything...I'm in exile myself. I was just mentioning over lunch how much I'd love to go back, if only they'd get rid of the oppressive taxes and laws.
If I moved from Pennsylvania back to New York State, I would change from Responsible Citizen to Dangerous Person. :-(
The movement to make it illegal for private citizens to own or possess firearms has been made clear over and over again. It has nothing to do with crime. It has everything to do with government,freedom and liberty.
An unarmed population is subject to absolute control of government. A government who fears an armed population is a government to be feared.
Look at history. The first thing a dictator does is to see to it that only his forces have guns. In most countries around the world the private ownership of firearms is forbidden. In many countries possessing a firearm can bring the death penalty.
Oh no! Now guns cause "waste" in your pants.. lol
Leave it to NY state to make MORE laws the criminals will ignore.
Boy I tell ya, I grew up in NY and you could not pay me enough money to ever go back to that state.
Just in time for the election, the "disarm the citizens, empower the criminals" lobby tunes up once again...
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