Colorado Governor Approves Biggest Expansion of Gun Rights Since Columbine

Associated Press ^ | 03/18/2003 | Steven K. Paulson

[justlurking]

DENVER (AP) - Gov. Bill Owens signed two bills Tuesday that pave the way for the biggest expansion of gun rights in the state since the Columbine High School shootings nearly four years ago.

The debate over issuing concealed weapons permits was raging when Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold killed 12 students and a teacher before killing themselves in 1999.

Soon after, two legislators withdrew bills that simplified applying for gun permits. A third bill limiting the ability of local governments to file lawsuits against gun manufacturers was vetoed by Owens with agreement from legislators.

But Tuesday, Owens signed legislation requiring sheriffs to issue permits to people who pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check and who have gone through a handgun-training course.

A second bill Owens signed prohibits local governments from making gun control laws more restrictive than the state's and abolishes local registries of gun owners.

"Over the years, I have insisted that such legislation contain three essential elements," Owens said. "Background checks and proper training would be required, and the permits would not be recognized on school property, elementary through high school."

Tom Mauser, whose son Daniel died in the Columbine massacre, said the two bills will put more guns on the streets which will lead to more violence and death.

"I am shocked and dismayed at our state's leadership, for they have thrown aside the safety of citizens and local control in favor of the gun lobby," Mauser said.

[The Old Hoosier]

Bill Owens for President in 2008!

[Teacher317]

Compare that with Illinois basically banning all shotguns.

[Lucky Lyn]

This is great!
Watch the crime rate fall just as it has in other states
with the right to carry laws

[Maigrey]

I feel bad for Tom Mauser. if he would spend one minute reviewing the facts, he would realize that even if guns were outlawed, the "boys" would have found something else to commit their attrocities. They might have even tried setting off a bomb and killed many more than they did.

No matter what, if someone wants a gun, regardless if they are illegal or not, the only people who are going to be harmed by gun grabbers are the socialists and the people who abide by the law.

[DCBryan1]

Tom Mauser, whose son Daniel died in the Columbine massacre

Shut your pie hole Tom. We are all aware that you dance over your son's body to blame an object rather than two evil kids whom killed your son.

Crawl back into your liberal, hoplophobic hole.

[Nucluside]

Any improvement is desirable, but the US Constitution didn't mention anything about gun laws-just gun rights. Anyone whom is not a convicted felon is allowed by the 2nd Amendment to carry any kind of weapon they want, concealed or not. Restoration of government compliance with and observation of the Constitution is our goal, and Colorado has joined other states in taking this step. Bravo!

[dljordan]

Hell no! He's a RINO. The only reason he signed the bills is because he's having his arm twisted.

[dljordan]

No, no, no! You're using logic and reason which doesn't apply to Mauser and his ilk. Besides, he's getting paid $70,000 a year to honor the memory of his son and make America safe for the children. I know that sounds harsh but the guy is a whore in my opinion.

[freedomcrusader]

A second bill Owens signed prohibits local governments from making gun control laws more restrictive than the state's and abolishes local registries of gun owners.

They'll be howling in Denver and Boulder. There goes Denver's law against open carry.

[mad puppy]

"I am shocked and dismayed at our state's leadership, for they have thrown aside the safety of citizens and local control in favor of the gun lobby," Mauser said

So get a permit and carry a gun. Contribute to your own saftey rather than rely on Gov't to do it all for you. What a thought. I'll see you in line, but get there early, the line will be long.

[JohnnyZ]

BILL OWENS FOR PRESIDENT 2008

A strong, consistent conservative!

[Maigrey]

What a sick opportunist!

Besides, the best way to make kids safe it to educate them on guns, and how to handle them and when to use them. Taking them away just makes them more alluring.

[Puppage]

Taking them away just makes them more alluring.

ABSOLUTELY!! Just like alcohol & tobacco. Not to mention that fact that Dylan & Klebold broke AT LEAST 15 gun laws to begin with. Last time I looked murder was illegal, doesn't stop people from doing it, though.

WAY TO GO COLORADO!!

[e5man_r_u?]

Am I the only one struck by the irony of an anti-gunner named Mauser?

[Puppage]

Ya think he's Swedish?

[e5man_r_u?]

I don't know is the Mauser rifle? I thought it was German.

[Puppage]

It is. But, Germany made them for, among others...Sweden, Chile, Spain. That's why America had such a hard time in the Spanish-American War....those damn Mausers!! Spain had 'em...we didn't.

[disclaimer]

Owens signed legislation requiring sheriffs to issue permits to people who pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check and who have gone through a handgun-training course

You have to submit your fingerprint to obtain your right to bear arms? Sounds like registration to me.

[Brian Allen]

<< Tom Mauser .... said the two bills will put more guns on the streets which will lead to more violence and death. >>

What utter bloody rubbish! If any of the kids and/or teachers [Assuming any were present!] at Columbine had been carrying even half-decent weapons -- or even had an armed policeman worthy of the name had gotten there in time [And/or had taken any action when he did!] -- what became a massacre [By two gutless institutionalized-drug-dependent bloody morons] might either [And most likely!] not have happened at all -- or have been stopped dead in its tracks!