Libertarian ping! To be added or removed from my ping list freepmail me or post a message here.
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.
Libertarian ping! To be added or removed from my ping list freepmail me or post a message here.
"What is an illegal weapon?"
I'd like to know what an "illegal weapon" is in NY. Does that mean "unregistered"? Without a concealed carry permit in NY?
What ARE the handgun laws in NY, not just NYC? Permitted anywhere?
One for which there is no permit. You, frankly, have no business carrying a gun in a city the density of New York unless you are a cop, a security guard, or have a unique security situation.
I'm a 2nd amendment supporter, Jude, and there is nothing wrong with concealed carry. Those who don't have that right are those who are over-burdened by a nanny state.
I support the 2d Amendment since its still in the Constitution, and the way to deal with it as an anachronism is through the Amendment process, not the attrition that we now use. But it is indeed an anachronism since we no longer use militias and since the rise of the modern police force.
Concealed carry in NYC creates too many unnecessary security problems. NY is just too different than any other area in the United States simply by virtue of its high population density.
The militia is still in law. It is the basis for any congressional draft of soldiers.
Bloomberg wants to slash CCW permits I remember reading that William F. Buckley Jr. had his CCW renewal refused right after the murder at City Hall.
Republicans in New York Senate Amass Cash, Their Might Intact (Bloomboob gave $500,000)
Republicans Challenge Voter Rolls in Westchester (NY)
FReepmail me if you want on or off my New York ping list.
I caught a lot of crap here on FR when I posted that I donated money to Bloomberg's Dem opponent in the last election. Stuff like this makes me have no regrets about doing so. Bloomberg is a dangerous son of a b!tch.
I should go into the scimitar-proof neck collar business for when all the Mutts that have infested our country get their wake up orders.
Are you familiar with the original intent of the 2nd Amendment? I suspect you might not be comfortable with it.
So folks are supposed to relinquish their natural rights as a function of population density when the police have no duty to protect individuals?
it should be FIVE!!! hasn't the NRA been pushing this for YEARS???
Different conditions, this is for illegal concealed carry, IIRC.
thx... whatever it takes to get these vermin off the streets. i noticed the law says LOADED gun. guess if he capped off his last shots at the cops, he's good to go!!!
Thanks for the ping!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.