Thread: Senate to vote on concealed weapons measure

So much for states rights, eh gun nuts? Pretty much the last person I want to be around is a brain dead redneck (redundant, I know) with a concealed weapons permit from some cousin humpin' state.

Oh, and why do the asswipes who are pushing this need to stick it in a defense spending bill? To ensure it will pass?
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/...s9ZyAD99JI3SG0


WASHINGTON — Gun rights advocates sought to show their political muscle again Wednesday with a Senate vote giving people with concealed weapons permits in one state permission to carry their hidden weapons into other states with similar gun laws.
Under an agreement of Senate leaders, 60 votes were needed to pass the measure, an amendment to a defense spending bill, and the outcome was uncertain. But the gun rights lobby, putting together Republicans and pro-gun Democrats from rural states, has a strong winning record in recent years.
Backers, led by Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., say truckers and others with concealed weapons permits should be able to protect themselves when they cross into other states. Opponents say the measure would force states with strict procedures for getting permits to accept permits from states with more lax laws.
The provision, Thune said, will ensure that the nation's 5 million concealed-carry permit holders can travel through the 48 states allowing concealed weapons without infringements on their fundamental rights. Only Illinois and Wisconsin have no concealed weapons laws.
But Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., said the proposal would allow people from states that give permits to people with alcohol problems, or child abuse convictions, or which don't require any firearms training, to carry concealed guns in states with rigorous conditions for issuing permits.
"The visitors can ignore the law of the state, the law that the elected representatives of the people of that state have enacted," he said.
The gun proposal would make concealed weapons permits from one state valid in other states as long as the person obeys the laws of other states, such as weapons bans in certain localities. It does not establish national standards for concealed weapons permits and would not allow those with permits to carry weapons into Wisconsin and Illinois.
National Rifle Association chief lobbyist Chris W. Cox said the last two decades have shown a strong shift toward gun rights laws. "We believe it's time for Congress to acknowledge these changes and respect the right of self-defense, and the right of self-defense does not stop at state lines," he said.
Gun control groups were strongly in opposition.
Concealed handgun permit holders killed at least seven police officers and 44 private citizens during a two-year period ending in April, according to a study by the Violence Policy Center. "It is beyond irrational for Congress to vote to expand the reach of these deadly laws," said the center's legislative director, Kristen Rand.
Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said the bill would "incite a dangerous race to the bottom in our nation's gun laws." He said his own state, which has strict gun control laws, would have to accept concealed weapons permits from states such as Arizona, which issues permits to people with drinking problems, or Alaska, where people with violent misdemeanor convictions can get permits.
"Folks in Minot, N.D., and New York are going to have different conceptions about what's right for their locality," said Jim Kessler, vice president for policy at Third Way, a centrist think tank that supports gun rights. "In some states you have to show a real need" to get a permit, he said. "In other states you have to show that you can stand on two feet."
So far this year gun rights advocates have had the clear advantage in Congress. They managed to attach a provision to a credit card bill signed into law that restores the right to carry loaded firearms in national parks, and coupled a Senate vote giving the District of Columbia a vote in the House with a provision effectively ending the District's tough gun control laws.
House Democratic leaders, unable to detach the two issues without losing the support of pro-gun Democrats, abandoned attempts to pass the D.C. vote bill.

It will never pass.

Originally Posted by michaelr

It will never pass.

Thank goodness. I shudder at the thought of having a fat and sweaty yet overly armed Texan walking around my neck of the woods protecting his wife/cousin.

Originally Posted by Think for myself

Thank goodness. I shudder at the thought of having a fat and sweaty yet overly armed Texan walking around my neck of the woods protecting his wife/cousin.

No actually it is a sad thing, I expect this will get pulled from the bill. You want to know how to stop crime Think, arm everyone.

I have a short two part 20 minute video in the vis and pics section that shows clearly the effects on the black population from disarming them. They are the targets of those who will not follow the l;aw, and as a result, they are literal slaves to the gangs who must live in fear from a minority of their population. Watch it, hell it might change your mind.

Originally Posted by michaelr

No actually it is a sad thing, I expect this will get pulled from the bill. You want to know how to stop crime Think, arm everyone.

I wholeheartedly disagree. The only person I trust with a gun is myself.

Originally Posted by Think for myself

I wholeheartedly disagree. The only person I trust with a gun is myself.

Well I certainly never shot anyone, yet......

Originally Posted by Think for myself

Thank goodness. I shudder at the thought of having a fat and sweaty yet overly armed Texan walking around my neck of the woods protecting his wife/cousin.

ack, why do you keep dissin' on texas? lol.

I carry concealed, and I am a proud redneck who clings to my guns and BIBLE. LOL.

As I said, it indeed failed. Chalk one up for the anti gun group.

Originally Posted by Think for myself

Thank goodness. I shudder at the thought of having a fat and sweaty yet overly armed Texan walking around my neck of the woods protecting his wife/cousin.

Wow...how nice of you to think that way about your fellow man!