This was what the sheriff was probably picturing when he slapped the "DENIED" stamp on his application.
Posted on 05/20/2021 5:15:13 AM PDT by marktwain
Carey McWilliams is a gun owner, a successful small and big game hunter, holding concealed carry permits for 20 years. He has been turned down for a Minnesota permit because he is blind. He has applied for a second time.
Update: The Minnesota Sheriff, confronted with the evidence, and with the possibility of an ADA lawsuit, has issued Carey a Minnesota Carry permit.
The initial thought of blind people carrying firearms causes many to do a double-take. Consider the concept more closely and you will see it makes perfect sense. Blind people do not give up their rights simply because they are blind.
Many states do not discriminate against blind people who apply for concealed carry permits. If there are states which discriminate against blind people who apply to simply own a firearm, they are few and poorly documented.
It is every American’s right to keep and bear arms, as affirmed by the Second Amendment and numerous state constitutional amendments.
Carey has written books on how the blind can safely use firearms.
Everyone has limitations on how effectively and safely they can utilize weapons for self-defense, hunting, or recreation. Some people cannot hold a weapon very steadily. Some cannot handle the recoil. Some cannot hear well. Some do not have fast reaction times.
Some people cannot see. That does not mean they cannot use a firearm for self-defense. From personal correspondence with Carey McWilliams, in May of 2021:
(Excerpt) Read more at ammoland.com ...
“A man’s got to know his limitations.”
Harry Calhan
“Blind people do not give up their rights simply because they are blind.”
OK. Now, about that Driver License Examination...
This was what the sheriff was probably picturing when he slapped the "DENIED" stamp on his application.
*Callahan
Carey McWilliams now has six Concealed Carry Permits. McWilliams is more qualified than most CCW holders.
Well, hell...
He needs his drivers license too...
Maybe he can drive a school bus..
Lets get him a pilots license also...
I have been to his home and found him on a ladder using a Sawzall and another time using a 4" grinded in his garage.
Driving is not a right..
Of course it is. Just because it isn't explicitly mentioned doesn't mean it's not a right. The constitution limits government. It wasn't meant to grant rights.
What he doesn't have is the right to endanger other people.
I see both sides here.
A concealed carry permit allows you to carry in public. A completely blind person in their home is absolutely right to carry a weapon, but I don’t know if this case here should set a precedence or not for everyone. This man has trained far beyond the average it’s obvious, but not everyone will attach so much effort into it like he does I don’t believe.
I have drawn my weapon from its holster a single time but never aimed it, it was at a convenience store where a man walked in carrying a knife hiding it behind his arm when he walked to the counter. I stepped two steps to the left of where I was in case I did have to point it I would hit the register on a miss or pass through and not the cashier. I just picture someone not as well trained as this gentleman here and wondering unless he is in physical contact with their assailant how would they know their surroundings not to be a threat to innocent bystanders?
No it’s not a right...
You don’t need to pass a test to exercise a right. Driving is a privilege.
“The initial thought of blind people carrying firearms causes many to do a double-take.”
Ummm... yup.
“You don’t need to pass a test to exercise a right.”
Some places you need to pass a test to legally bear a concealed firearm. Does that mean there isn’t a right to bear a concealed firearm?
“No it’s not a right...” “Driving is a privilege.”
Ohio Revised Code, Section 2901.01 - General provisions definitions:
“(12) “Privilege” means an immunity, license, or right conferred by law, bestowed by express or implied grant, arising out of status, position, office, or relationship, or growing out of necessity.”
Merriam-Webster:
“Definition of privilege
(Entry 1 of 2)
: a right or immunity granted as a peculiar benefit, advantage, or favor : prerogative “
Mainly because they'd have laughed at anyone who thought the common law right to travel needed to be spelled out in the document.
“Some places you need to pass a test to legally bear a concealed firearm. Does that mean there isn’t a right to bear a concealed firearm?”
No carrying concealed is not a right... you have the right to keep and bear, but you do not have a RIGHT to conceal carry.
Driving is not a right, Driving is a privilege, you do not have any guaranteed RIGHT to drive a motor vehicle on public roads.
You have absolutely no RIGHT to drive... you are grossly mistaken.
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