Concealed Weapons

WCSC TV5 Snooze ^ | January 30, 2002 | Reported by Herve Jacobs hjacobs@wcsc.com

[dhuffman@awod.com]

How would you react if the person worshipping next to you in church was also carrying a concealed weapon?That could soon happen if some state lawmakers have their way! The bill, proposed by state representative Jake Knotts, is sparking heated debate in the state legislature and also on the streets of Charleston.

The church, a place of worship and soon some parishioners may be carrying concealed pistols. A proposed state law would allow guns inside the church if officials there give their blessings.

(Rev. Keller)"I think the whole idea is ridiculous."

Reverend Bert Keller leads the services at the Circular Congregational Church downtown.

(Keller)"I think the practice of civilians carrying concealed weapons is dangerous, unnecessary and promotes violence which is already in epidemic proportions in our society."

The proposal would also allow concealed weapons in public college parking lots. College of Charleston students are concerned.

(student)"I suppose some people might need to defend themselves. I think when people start carrying weapons, it's more dangerous than helpful."

(grad student)"I don't feel good about that for religious purposes. I'm a quaker and we don't believe in firearms at all so I would naturally be against that."

Gun owners also would be allowed to take concealed weapons inside of state parks like Charlestowne Landing. That's right. You could pack a lunch and also pack some heat.

(resident)"You really don't know who you can trust these days to be honest. Just because you get a permit, it doesn't mean that person might not attack you or do something."

But don't look for guns in a church, college parking lot or state park near you just yet. The bill is still going through a verbal shoot-out in the legislature. The concealed weapons bill is stuck in the Senate judiciary committee. Representative Knotts expects it to make it the floor for a full vote sometime this session.

Reported by Herve Jacobs

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[wita]

Well said. I wanted to mention the Quacker (spelling on purpose) who is willing to sit back and suck up personal safety at other peoples expense and effort, and his disdain for his fellow human beings with such an attitude, and lastly what other kind of barf alert reasoning could one expect from the leader of a church called circular congregational?

[KC_for_Freedom]

At our temple, for big events they hire security. The guards look like secret service with their communication devices in their ears. I sure feel good about the protection, but this is a temple where 80% are against CC. Heck, 80% are against the second ammendment. Not against protection, just against doing it themselves. Go figure.

[FreedomPoster]

Ya'know, I'm not Catholic, but I'm all for adopting this guy as the patron saint of handgunners.

This reminds me - I'm overdue for a trip to the pistol range. (But I did shoot in a casual 100yd highpower match last Saturday, with about 50 others. Was in the money - 2/3 of my entry fee - too ;-)

[FreedomPoster]

Those 80% at your temple need to be doing some study with Rabbi Mermelstein.

[ctdonath2]

Too late - there already is a patron saint of handgunners.

[Ace's Dad]

If you can't trust the person next to you with a gun, you're worshipping at the wrong church...

Great Observation!

[Hal.009]

"(resident)"You really don't know who you can trust these days to be honest. Just because you get a permit, it doesn't mean that person might not attack you or do something."

I would not trust a person wo doesn't have a permit.

Remember, All you get when you dial 911 is a person with a permit armed with a gun and a piece of chalk.

[ataDude]

Hal.009 - you missed my point. I, in fact, carry legally. The group that is EIGHT times more likely to be arrested for a serious crime is a non-licensed person. Carry on :>)