Freep this survey: Wondering Begins: Are They Packing Heat?

WCCO TV (Minneapolis/St. Paul) ^ | Apr 29, 2003 | Channel4000

[jdege]

Wondering Begins: Are They Packing Heat?

Pawlenty Quickly, Quietly Signs Controversial Relaxation Of Concealed Gun Laws

For many a visit to a mall or other public venue includes the secretive game dubbed "people watching," which may include guessing professions, personalities and other personal information from afar.

There's a new caveat to that seemingly innocent game in Minnesota now: think that person is packing heat?

That new aspect to "people watching" comes as state rules have been relaxed for allowing people to receive permits to carry concealed handguns.

The change came after one of the longer Senate debates in memory and after Gov. Tim Pawlenty again inked his name to a controversial social law nearly immediately upon its passage and with little or no fanfare, according to broadcast reports.

His quick and quiet signing of the bill comes less than a month after he similarly quickly signed a 24-hour abortion-waiting period with little or no comment.

State estimates are that after the bill goes into affect in a month that, eventually, the number of Minnesotans walking through daily life with a concealed handgun will rise from less than 12,000 today to more than 90,000, according to the Star Tribune.

Supporters said that nearly 40 other states have passed similar laws without dire consequences and that Minnesotans should have a right to protect themselves against violence and crime.

People on both sides of the debate did agree on one point: the measure is supported by only three groups in the National Rifle Association, a state group calling itself the Concealed Carry Reform Now! and the Republican Party of Minnesota.

Opponents argue that the bill isn't restrictive enough about where the guns can be carried, among other things, and that conditions are too loose on who can have one.

They said the law requires churches, malls and other public locales to not only post signs saying concealed guns aren't allowed but to also personally tell each person coming into the locale about the rule.

They also note that the law doesn't allow police chiefs and sheriffs to use alleged acts as a reason to deny the permit meaning someone accused, but not convicted, of assaults, public drunkenness or other crimes cannot be denied the permit based on that information.

[jdege]

SURVEY

What do you think of the relaxed rules on issuing permits allowing people to carry concealed weapons nearly everywhere?

• Frankly, it's very unsettling and a bad omen to me. Once the dust settles people won't even think about it.
• I haven't made up my mind.
• It's OK and helps people feel safer who want to.
• It's about time Minnesota caught up with other states.

Results | Disclaimer

[jdege]

Bang!

[dirtboy]

They said the law requires churches, malls and other public locales to not only post signs saying concealed guns aren't allowed but to also personally tell each person coming into the locale about the rule.

I would be inclined to disagree with this provision if it is being accuratedly described here.

[goldstategop]

I'm sure Minnesota will now become a Texas-style Wild West shooting range. <sarcasm

[jdege]

Criminal penalties only apply to a permit holder if he has been told to leave and refuses.

It's the same as the law against trespass.

[LurkedLongEnough]

Crime will surely skyrocket now. </sarcasm>

[revtown]

A good bumper sticker to prevent road rage.

Keep honkin, I'm reloading..

[goldstategop]

"Loaded Gun Owner To Bear Here. Approach Me At Your Own Risk."

[trebb]

the measure is supported by only three groups in the National Rifle Association, a state group calling itself the Concealed Carry Reform Now! and the Republican Party of Minnesota

It would seem that the Republican Party of Minnesota would constitute a possible majority in iteself. Add to that fact that the NRA and Concealed carry Reform Now! also have some Democrats as members, you might decide that there is a potential for a Super Majority. Of course, the will of the people doesn't even start to affect DimocRAT thinking and policy...

[Free Fire Zone]

Another benevolent state allowing its subjects citizens to convert their rights into a privilege.

Free Fire Zone

[Grampa Dave]

Within months, we will watch the violent crime rate against innocents (assualt, robbery, rape and other acts of violence) drop like a rock.

As Dr John Lott has documented, "More Guns Equal Less Crime!"

[Dead Corpse]

Bump. 39% against. 41% About time Minnesota caught up.

Come on Freepers! We can do better than this....

[CygnusXI]

No. They don't have to "tell" anyone. Just a sign saying basically "No Guns" is sufficient. According to the interview that was just on NPR/MPR

Oh.. and what's with the "Bad Omen" response in the poll... Do I really care what believers in "Omens" think? LOOK OUT FOR THAT BLACK CAT!!! MAKE A LAW-- QUICK!!!

[dirtboy]

Thanks for the info. I figured there was a good chance the article had it wrong...

[PeoplesRep_of_LA]

I voted "catch up" Minnesota. Dumb wording, gee I wonder if that was intentional.

[lilylangtree]

Done. Standings are:

Question #1--Unsettling & Bad Omen --212 votes--40%
" #2--Dust Settles -- 51 votes--10%
" #3--Haven't Made Mind Up -- 14 votes-- 3%
" #4--Makes People Feel Safer-- 41 votes-- 8%
" #5--MN Caught Up to Others --207 votes--39%

[gtech]

There's a new caveat to that seemingly innocent game in Minnesota now: think that person is packing heat?

Hey, Chicken Little (not you jdege!), you already should be wondering this. But it's not the one's who go through the permitting process that should worry you. Criminals won't get permits, and they are already carrying their guns. Permit holders have shown to be incredibly law abiding and safe. I'll bet the good people of MN are no different.

[BSunday]

Government has no business in church. Especially not when it comes to telling them to say or not to say a thing.

[Dead Corpse]

Oddly, during the debates yesterday, there was one Senator who brought that very point up. His reasoning paralleled mine. A good CCW law will have to suffice until we can get before the SCOTUS with a good, solid, case.

I've argued your exact point on FR before. Shooter2.5 has finally worn me down. We lost it incrementally, we'll get it back incrementally. This is a REALLY good increment.

[Dead Corpse]

Coming from WCCO, bet on the wording being intentional. They aren't quite as "left" as the Strib (Star Tribune newspaper), but they have a definate tilt.