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.

[Shooter 2.5]

That's what I read the last time they were reporting about the "Murder Capitol". They think they're going to have even more murders this year.

You would think the most important job the administration has to do is make sure a citizen isn't murdered. Call 911 and die seems to be the motto. It used to be as soon as you left Chicago, the suburbs were completely safe. Now store and gas places twenty miles from Chicago have bullet proof glass for the cashier. And my sister is still dumb enough to gas up at eleven at night.

[Atlas Sneezed]

Frankly, it's very unsettling and a bad omen to me. 33%

Once the dust settles people won't even think about it. 9%

I haven't made up my mind. 2%

It's OK and helps people feel safer who want to. 10%

It's about time Minnesota caught up with other states. 47%

Add up the "no big deal" "It's OK" and "It's about time", and you get 66% for, 33% unsettled, and 2% clueless (rounding errors).

[Onelifetogive]

"Wondering Begins: Are They Packing Heat?"

What kind of fruit cake would ever wonder such a thing?

Criminals!

[Kudsman]

Another benevolent state allowing its subjects citizens to convert their rights into a privilege. It's nice to see that some folks understand the difference.

[green team 1999]

It's about time Minnesota caught up with other states.- 355 votes /48%

[ibheath]

FREEPED
What do you think of the relaxed rules on issuing permits allowing people to carry concealed weapons nearly everywhere?
Choice Votes Percent of 780 votes
Frankly, it's very unsettling and a bad omen to me. 238 = 31%
Once the dust settles people won't even think about it. 67 = 9%
I haven't made up my mind. 16 = 2%
It's OK and helps people feel safer who want to. 77 = 10%
It's about time Minnesota caught up with other states. 382 = 49%
Thanks for taking our survey. Check back later for results.

[johnb838]

Crime has gone down big time here in the Lone Star State since Concealed Carry went into effect so please find another state to insult.

[SouthernGuard]

The intresting thing is that the states that don’t allow their citizens to carry guns have the highest crime rate!! CCW is something that every state should have.

[wordsofearnest]

An armed society is a polite society.

[TheGrimReaper]

Frankly, it's very unsettling and a bad omen to me 25%
Once the dust settles people won't even think about it 7%
I haven't made up my mind 2%
It's OK and helps people feel safer who want to 9%
It's about time Minnesota caught up with other states 56%

As of 4:57pm CDT.

[conservatism_IS_compassion]

There's a new caveat to that seemingly innocent game in Minnesota now:

think that person is legally packing heat?

[SauronOfMordor]

A few years back, Detroit had the honor of being the "MUrder Capital". Then Michigan got "shall issue" CCW, and you don't hear about Detroit much anymore. Current crime stats have rape & robbery way down in Detroit in 2002 over 2001

[Badray]

I just heard on the radio today the DC has regained that dubious honor. Sorry, I don't have the source.

[Badray]

Frankly, it's very unsettling and a bad omen to me. 248

Once the dust settles people won't even think about it. 78

I haven't made up my mind. 16

It's OK and helps people feel safer who want to. 101

It's about time Minnesota caught up with other states. 653

All in all, 3 to 1 positive votes!

[F.J. Mitchell]

" Crime will surely skyrocket now."

Sarcasm noted.

Of course crime will skyrocket-we all know criminals prefer to face their victems on equal terms, being the honorable people criminals are. All criminals are suicidal, as well. (sarcasm)

[KeyLargo]

61% "Its about time"

[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

What do you think of the relaxed rules on issuing permits allowing people to carry concealed weapons nearly everywhere?
Choice Votes Percent of 1164 votes
Frankly, it's very unsettling and a bad omen to me. 255 22%
Once the dust settles people won't even think about it. 84 7%
I haven't made up my mind. 16 1%
It's OK and helps people feel safer who want to. 105 9%
It's about time Minnesota caught up with other states. 704 60%

I hope the criminals who are worried about CCW goto
states that do not follow the second amendment.

[TheGrimReaper]

If they have the slightest bit of sense, they will.

[MattMa]

Thanks for taking the poll. And to think the media here in MN said the polls say no one was for the bill.

[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

None in link.