Posted on 11/01/2011 5:07:03 AM PDT by marktwain
Well, the day is finally here: Concealed carry is officially the law of the land in Wisconsin.
Before today, I never had to worry about encountering covertly armed strangers during my daily routine.
(Not outside of being a victim of crime, I mean. Which, I guess, for some people is the entire point.)
With concealed carry laws in effect, I can't be too lax about casual encounters anymore. I have to remind myself to be aware of any sudden movements or suspicious behavior by individuals while in public space.
Even driving back and forth from home to work takes on a new relevance. I have to make it a point to be more courteous to fellow motorists and exhibit extreme road courtesy in all situations.
You can't be flipping anybody off in the age of concealed carry, that's for sure.
In regards to pedestrian traffic, I'm going to have to start watching for the hunched-over posture that could signal a concealed gun carrier.
Maybe a telltale bump or protrusion under their clothing. Of course, as it gets colder, that's going to be a lot more difficult to decipher.
Who knows who's packing heat under those puffy down jackets in the middle of January?
Thankfully, the "No Weapons Allowed in the Building" sign has been posted at my job, which was a great relief for some of us who write the kind of stories that occasionally get the public agitated.
(Thanks, boss!)
But the job requires getting out and mingling with the public in all those areas that are suddenly fair game for concealed gun carriers.
You know, like the supermarket. The shopping mall. Even the local tavern.
Yes, the tavern; the law says you can carry a concealed weapon in a bar as long as you're not drinking.
I suspect some folks will obey that law about as well they do drunken-driving statutes.
As you can see, it's easy to get overly paranoid about this new law. Wisconsin becoming the 49th state to allow concealed carry suggests it doesn't mean we're headed toward becoming the new wild, wild Midwest.
Frankly, it's more about perception than anything else.
I've traveled to many of the states that allow concealed carry - you probably have, too - and can attest to the fact the law doesn't contribute to any greater or lesser sense of public safety.
Most times, you don't even think about it.
Pro-gun advocates insist concealed carry laws lead to a decrease in crime, but statistics don't bear that out in any discernible way. Apparently, there aren't a lot of stories about concealed carry "heroes" rising up to stop crime.
The GOP got what it wanted to appease the NRA and other gun lobbyists, so now the relatively few state residents who actually want to wear a holster and gun under a jacket every day, but never use it, can follow their frontier spirit.
I've heard all the arguments, but I'm still not sure why any ordinary citizen would feel the need to carry a gun in public for self-defense. What also doesn't make sense to me is the idea that having more guns will make us safer instead of the other way around.
I doubt if this notable day in Wisconsin history will do anything to change that.
Contact Eugene Kane at (414) 223-5521 or ekane@journalsentinel.com. Follow him on Twitter @eugene_kane
Cognitive dissonance. The author has had his fundamental beliefs challanged by reality.
You can't be flipping anybody off in the age of concealed carry, that's for sure...."
An armed society is a polite society.
Eugene. Seems like an odd name for a little girl.
I’ve heard all the arguments, but I’m still not sure why any ordinary citizen would feel the need to carry a gun in public for self-defense. What also doesn’t make sense to me is the idea that having more guns will make us safer instead of the other way around.
You are not sure and you don’t see why, huh....
The facts are smacking you in the face and you just aren’t sure,,,,
Idiot.
The rest of us ARE sure and KNOW why.
I grew-up in Wisconsin. Eugene is a pansy.
Have the RIGHT to carry concealed brings responsibility - those that have met the criteria aren’t the ones this author has to worry about on his way to work while in traffic or meeting someone is public...what an idiot!
US Citizens that are armed - makes this socialist moron stay in line and not going after the seizure of freedoms...if it makes him nervous - then he should move to a country with no guns...see how that works out for him...
Will he ever be surprised how this changes his behavior!
Guess the author is unfamiliar with the refrain,”an armed society is a polite society”.
He also attempts to paint CCW types as bullies looking for a fight, as though they should be feared.
He displays his intentional ignorance vividly in this statement: “Pro-gun advocates insist concealed carry laws lead to a decrease in crime, but statistics don’t bear that out in any discernible way. Apparently, there aren’t a lot of stories about concealed carry “heroes” rising up to stop crime.”
" And he said it's better to carry a gun than mace"
The sheriff keeps it simple
Well, you got that one right! "Be the victor not the victim"! What a dolt!
I believe in free speech and all, but I don’t see why we can’t make stupid opinions illegal to print.
Writng isn’t speaking.
Thus, CONCEAL CARRY!
Thankfully, the "No Weapons Allowed in the Building" sign has been posted at my job,...
With conceal carry, how would they know if you're packing or not? BTW, a laptop can be used as a weapon, as can a pen, a purse, etc.....
“I’ve heard all the arguments, but I’m still not sure why any ordinary citizen would feel the need to carry a gun in public for self-defense.”
All these facts confuse me and I’ve never been taught to think for myself. I just feel along with all my friends that the world would be a better place if there were no guns. Feelings can’t be wrong can they?
That's nice.
Do you also believe in freedom of the press?
Well, the day is finally here: Concealed carry is officially the law of the land in Wisconsin.
Before today, I never had to worry about encountering covertly armed strangers during my daily routine.
(Not outside of being a victim of crime, I mean. Which, I guess, for some people is the entire point.)
With concealed carry laws in effect, I can't be too lax about casual encounters anymore. I have to remind myself to be aware of any sudden movements or suspicious behavior by individuals while in public space.
Even driving back and forth from home to work takes on a new relevance. I have to make it a point to be more courteous to fellow motorists and exhibit extreme road courtesy in all situations.
You can't be flipping anybody off in the age of concealed carry, that's for sure.
In regards to pedestrian traffic, I'm going to have to start watching for the hunched-over posture that could signal a concealed gun carrier.
Maybe a telltale bump or protrusion under their clothing. Of course, as it gets colder, that's going to be a lot more difficult to decipher.
Who knows who's packing heat under those puffy down jackets in the middle of January?
This concealed carry law really is going to cut into my business. I used to behave with impunity, now I have to worry if my next mark is carrying. I really hate this law.
We want to know how they will check? The landlord has other business interests and is rarely visible. The attorney will have to worry about her own clients. They are too cheap to install metal detectors, let alone pay someone to operate them. Both are older, out of shape and, obviously, clueless.
Realize that these folks think _a sign_ constitutes reality and will protect them from the evil concealed firearm that normally just sits there.
I am pleased, however, that the very existence of the law will make the author more situationally aware and more polite.
As it should be.
An armed society is a polite society.
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