Click the picture for her biography in liberalism. I think all she needs is a real man in her life, she looks lonely.
Posted on 10/06/2005 6:41:57 PM PDT by jdege
Conceal carry laws should not include privacy provisions
By Susan MacLaughlin
When my step-dad died last spring, my family began a long process of clearing out his personal possessions. Some we gave to charity, and others, including family heirlooms, were dispersed among his children, siblings and nieces and nephews.
As we culled through his closet, I was shocked to learn that my family owned a gun. I deserve the right to at least know they have that power.
What floored me was when my mom nonchalantly asked me to take the gun out to my uncle's truck. I had never touched a gun before.
However, not wanting to make waves, I did it. And, despite being in its case, in poor repair and most importantly unloaded, I somehow worried that I'd shoot myself. I was scared throughout the minute-long walk outside to the driveway.
I never want to touch a gun again.
And I don't know if I'd want a gun in my house again, either.
Last Thursday, state Sen. Dave Zien, R-Eau Claire, and state Rep. Scott Gunderson, R-Waterford, introduced legislation that would allow people to carry concealed weapons. Zien also championed a similar bill two years ago that was vetoed by Democratic Governor Jim Doyle.
The current piece of legislation makes me nervous. I don't like the idea of not knowing if Joe Schmo walking down the street is packing or not.
What's worse is that in its current form, the legislation states this vital information about who is carrying a concealed weapon should be kept totally private - even from law enforcement.
This would mean that in situations like routine traffic stops, officers would not be able to check to see if the vehicle's owner had a permit to carry a concealed weapon.
Despite what the National Rifle Association says, it is in fact guns, not people alone, that kill other people. Those hired to keep us safe have a right to expect a certain degree of protection as well. We owe it to our officers to give them information about potentially dangerous situations, especially if we have it right at our fingertips.
If officers don't know who has a gun or not, they will likely have to treat everyone as if they are carrying a dangerous weapon. And really, would you blame them?
Further, the public has a right to know who is and is not carrying a concealed weapon.
Zien and Gunderson said in a recent Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article it wouldn't be fair to those choosing to conceal weapons, because it would make them targets in criminal investigations, even if they didn't have a reason to suspect them.
You know what? Tough. If people feel the need to conceal weapons, they should expect some consequences. And maybe being questioned now and then will be one of those consequences. If they don't commit crimes, they should have little to worry about.
When we're talking about something as serious as guns - which can take a life in an instant - a free flow of information is imperative.
I understand guns are a necessary part of life. People use them to hunt. Police officers and the men and women in the armed services use them for protection. I understand the Bill of Rights guarantees we all have the right to bear arms.
I don't understand letting anybody who jumps through small hoops walk through the streets with a gun in their back pocket.
I certainly don't understand not giving the public and the police fair warning. If someone holds the power to surprise me and take my life in a matter of seconds, I deserve the right to at least know they have that power.
If people are given the choice to conceal and carry weapons, the rest of us should be given the opportunity to have an informed choice on weather or not to associate with them.
MacLaughlin is a senior print journalism major and editorial editor of The Spectator. Mac Mouths Off is a weekly column that appears every Thursday.
I agree with you and I apologize for not making my statement clearer. The idea of letting the police know is for their benefit, and as another poster stated any police officer who does not approach a situation with the thought that weapons are involved/around(doesn't have to be a gun)is a fool.AWB
On reading things like this, I have to wonder how the person manages to breathe, with so little electrical activity in the brain.
Susan sounds like a 10 year old child. I wonder if she has ever given a thought to the men and women who founded this country by throwing off an oppressive king by using ....dare I say it....GUNS!!!!
This is why concealed carry benefits even the non-packing - criminals don't know who is carrying and who isn't.
What's worse is that in its current form, the legislation states this vital information about who is carrying a concealed weapon should be kept totally private - even from law enforcement.
This would mean that in situations like routine traffic stops, officers would not be able to check to see if the vehicle's owner had a permit to carry a concealed weapon.
She jumps to the illogical conclusion that someone who has qualified for concealed carry would consider blowing away a cop during a traffic stop.
That's why she should display a "No guns in this house" sticker prominently on here front door.
How can any grown woman who can read and write be that stupid? Doesn't she realize think that the only people who will "surprise me and take my life" are carrying guns NOW without a permit, and that neither she, the cops, nor anyone else knows who they are?
Only a harebrained liberal would think that a criminal won't break a law against carrying concealed guns. He's a criminal precisely because HE BREAKS LAWS. Maybe she thinks he will say something to himself like "It sure would be fun to rob and kill that woman over there, but it's against the law for me to carry a gun so I guess I'll just go home and bake cookies instead."
...the men and women in the armed services use them for protection. killing the enemy.
Click the picture for her biography in liberalism. I think all she needs is a real man in her life, she looks lonely.
This woman needs to check herself into a mental hospital.
Petition your prison inmates, local gang members and thugs then. They're the one's folk's need to defend against, not the law abiding ya goof.
"Police officers and the men and women in the armed services use them for protection."
Right, they're special. Ordinary folks don't need to protect themselves. You idiots have your investigative staff and coroner to deal with ordinary folk's needs.
"If people are given the choice to conceal and carry weapons, the rest of us should be given the opportunity to have an informed choice on weather or not to associate with them."
Liberals are really special people. This one's as lovable as flesh eating bacteria.
As an Ohio CCW holder and instructor...I simply keep my auto and carry license together in a bi-fold holder ...hand them both to the cop at the same time..
It's the most non threatening way to clearly let the officer know you are armed...and you are also letting him know imediately that you are not a felon nor have a record...
And you might be surprised....I wouldnt call it flashing tin..but it's simular....I have a tendency to run a couple miles over the limit now and then (I'm Mr.late)...and since this has become my practice...the two times I have been pulled over for speeding...I have recieved a warning instead of a ticket...and not even an inkling of harrasment...both officers asked what I carry....and smiled when I told them a .357 mag 4 inch stainless...one cop said...and I qoute..."That 'ill work " handed my licenses back and told me to keep it under the sound barrier...
"Yes sir...thank you very much"
Beauty is skin deep and this one is as lovable as flesh eating bacteria.
I understand what you said and I have no problem with helping the police. I just don't see how knowing that an honest citizen may be carrying benefits a cop in any way, unless the cop is anti2amendment and likes harassing CCW permit holders. Most policemen are honest and decent people doing a nasty job and have my respect. A small minority are power drunk jerks and probably shouldn't be in public at all, much less with a gun and badge.
She needs that operation for people with big gums and small teeth.
And an enema.
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