BS: Bush and HR 218

Subject: RE: BS: Bush and HR 218
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 12 Oct 05 - 05:13 PM

I don't know of a state in the US that did not permit retired police to easily obtain permission to carry a weapon, so this law doesn't appear to change anything for them. In most states, any acting or retired judge may do the same.

The scary part is that in most local jurisdictions an acting or retired "government official" (that includes state senators and representatives, and in some places county commissioners and local council members) can get the same permit. Only "ordinary citizens" are prevented from getting permission - or do so only with difficulty.

The latter certainly has the effect (said facetiously) of arming the enemy and disarming the victims.

John

Subject: RE: BS: Bush and HR 218
From: Amos
Date: 12 Oct 05 - 05:10 PM

if the Megolomaniac who is in office decides God has told him to create a "police state."

Ummmm..."if"?

A

Subject: RE: BS: Bush and HR 218
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Oct 05 - 05:01 PM

The only thing that would bother me about it is making sure the nutballs were vetted out, as you noted, Kendall, AND that the feds do NOT have a way to call them up if the Megolomaniac who is in office decides God has told him to create a "police state." Of course, in that case, I'd hope that most of the retired law enforcement folks would have the sense NOT to fall for that and would use them to defend our rights against his tyranny.

I know this, too. My dad, the old Western ranch-raised kid and oilfield welder always carried a gun in his truck. It was mainly out of habit...it's what he grew up with his dad and granddad, but also for putting down hurt animals and protection, as well as enjoyment of target-shooting, NEVER hunting.

He was convinced if teachers at Columbine had had guns, the massacre would have been stopped. I don't believe we need ANY guns in school and I would prefer not having them at all, but what you have posted is interesting.

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Bush and HR 218
From: Bunnahabhain
Date: 12 Oct 05 - 04:53 PM

It does seem a fairly sensible idea. It certainly won't create any new problems, and might help.

Plus, it doesn't compel anyone to carry a gun. That would be worrying.

Subject: RE: BS: Bush and HR 218
From: kendall
Date: 12 Oct 05 - 04:32 PM

When Florida passed their "right to carry" law, crime plummeted. Why? Simple, the bad guys couldn't tell who was able to defend himself, and they always pick on the undefended.

What do I think? In the first place, in order to qualify, you must have been in law enforcement at least 15 years. That means you had to be of sound mind and good character.(Unless you were a New Orleans cop) So, it seems to me that it is like having thousands of un paid cops on the street. In every city and state you have armed officers now, so why not add a few thousand more at no cost to the taxpayer?
\Now I know there will be be a handful of people who will yell "Police State", and I also know there will be a few of those old cops who should be in the "rubber gun squad", but the number of crooks will far outweigh them. Personally, I think it is logical.

Peace, I carried a gun for 17 years and never used it, never even drew it, so why not continue? In the unlikely event that I'm in McDonalds (heaven forfend) and some nutcase comes in with a street sweeper, he won't get all of us. The way it is now, he knows that no one is armed and he has no worries.

Subject: RE: BS: Bush and HR 218
From: GUEST,rarelamb
Date: 12 Oct 05 - 03:21 PM

I think it's great. I'de like to see more people carry guns. I think the deterrent affect would decrease crime.

Subject: RE: BS: Bush and HR 218
From: Peace
Date: 12 Oct 05 - 02:31 PM

If the law enforcement officer is retired, why would he need to keep carrying a gun? He is no longer a law enforcement officer.

Subject: RE: BS: Bush and HR 218
From: CarolC
Date: 12 Oct 05 - 02:29 PM

I don't know what to think of it. What do you think about it, kendall, being a retired law enforcement officer yourself?

Subject: BS: Bush and HR 218
From: kendall
Date: 12 Oct 05 - 02:22 PM

President Bush recently signed a bill, HR 218, giving all retired law enforcement officers the authority to carry a concealed weapon.
What do you think of this, and why? Facts please, not knee jerk emotions.