American Morning
Allow concealed weapons across state lines?
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/07/22/thune.john.getty.art.jpg caption="Sen. John Thune (R-SD) listens during a news conference on Capitol Hill February 26, 2009 in Washington, DC."]
The Senate is poised to vote Wednesday on its third piece of gun rights legislation this year – and gun control advocates are racing to shore up any wavering Democrats who might join Republicans in supporting the measure.
The Republican-sponsored Thune Amendment, attached to the Defense Authorization Bill, would allow individuals to carry concealed firearms anywhere in the United States that permits carrying concealed weapons, provided they are legally registered.
Colin Goddard is lobbying against the amendment, sponsored by Sen. John Thune (R-SD), that would allow people to carry concealed firearms into other states, so long as they "...have concealed carry permits from the state in which they reside."
Goddard is not a typical lobbyist; he is a survivor – a student at Virginia Tech the day Seung-Hui Cho burst into his classroom and opened fire. Goddard was shot four times. Thirty-two other students died before Cho killed himself.
Now, Goddard is in Washington to tell lawmakers that even if he'd had a gun he could not have stopped Seung-Hui Cho.
"When I smelled that gunpowder, that's when I knew what was happening," Goddard recounted. "I knew there were other students in my class who were sitting in their chairs to be able to effectively respond to someone coming in a door like that guns blazing you need millisecond response time. Even trained police officers can't do that," he says.
He argues the proposed law would make it easier for unbalanced people to carry guns anywhere they choose, including states with more stringent concealed gun laws. And he isn't the only critic. Mayors from 450 cities took out an ad in USA Today urging the Senate to vote down the amendment.
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, an Independent, is fiercely opposed to the measure. "What it would do is put an enormous number of guns on the streets and it takes away states' rights," he says.
But The National Rifle Association says carrying a gun is a constitutional right, as well as a matter of personal safety.
"At the scene of the crime, there are only two people there, the criminal and the victim," says NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre. "The victim always ought to have a right to own a firearm and have a firearm to protect themselves if they choose."
Case in point: last year, a bank customer, legally carrying a concealed weapon near Detroit, thwarted a bank robber who claimed to have a bomb. But gun control proponents say for every hero, there are many villains. Like Richard Poplawski – who legally owned guns and used them to kill three Pittsburgh police officers. And Seung Hui Cho – who bought guns legally and killed 32 others at Virginia Tech.
What do you think? Should concealed weapons be allowed across state lines?
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I don't believe that guns should be carried across state lines. America has to many hate groups alive and active. It's enough to conceal hatred, imagine what a concealed gun would do to aid that hate. Lots of people have clean records because they have not being caught by the Law committing a crime. Lots of people are of age, but are not intelligent enough to handle fire arms. I believe that that only scary people, people that don't pray, and fools carry fire arms. There's to much killing in America. As a matter of concern, I think the right to bear arms has been taken too far. Some activists take things way out of control just because they can. The money they use could be use better to promote peace not violance. Soon America won't be able to carry weight with other Countries regarding arms control because the pot cannot talk about the kettle. I pray that God with do something with those who support this distructive bill in a way that no other can.
Replace previous comment with this correct post.
CHG licensed citizens are responsible, properly trained and only use a hand gun when faced with a threat of death. As a woman who travels extensively across the country, I applaud the Senate for their courage of allowing those of us who are protecting ourselves and others. Vote YES!
If I am legally licensed in My state, and not a criminal, Who is the Federal Government to say what I can or Can't do. I just think that if you are legally qualified to carry, You have considered the consequences of use. Criminals don't hesitate to use a weapon. Responsible citizens do or they wouldn't bother pursuing a legal course. Now they want to change the rules of the game again.
Your comments that under the proposed bill any Vermont gun owner would be able to lawfully carry a gun in NY state were misleading. The bill would permit only concealed carry permit holders to carry their firearm in another state, but it would NOT apply to all gun owners as you implied. Since Vermont does not issue concealed permits, this bill would not apply to anyone residing in Vermont under any circumstances until Vermont decides to issue concealed carry permits to its own residents. Currently most states with concealed carry laws already recognize permits from other states. However the lawful permit holder traveling across country never knows whether he may carry his gun into the state or not. On my semi-annual family trips across country I have to stop numerous times at interstate rest stops to lock my handgun as I enter states that do not recognize my state's permit. This proposed federal statute only eliminates this confusion and uncertainty for lawfully screened and law abiding permit holders.Unfortunately, the stories you used in your article to oppose this legislation involved mentally disturbed and cold blooded killers that would have obtained a firearm under any circumstances.
For [Brian Baron July 22nd, 2009 8:53 am ET
Morning,
Regardless of a particular law in a particular state, the issue is bringing guns into somewhere like NYC. Yes, I understand the rights to bear arms but the question is not the concealment of the weapon but the weapon it self. In any urban area like NYC, what stops someone from stealing the gun off your person. Pickpockets can lift a wallet, purse, ipod, or cellphone off someone very easily. So now you have another gun to deal with in NYC. And who is to say that, god forbid, you draw your weapon in self defense, say in the subway, discharging a weapon in an enclosed area has enormous consequences. In that type of environment, bystanders and other individuals are all at risk. I’m sure that there aren’t gun classes that discuss some of the issues of discharging a weapon in an enclosed urban environment. Just something to think about.] That would be a HUNTING CLASS, it has laws concerning your needs, as to unlawful discharge of a firearm over traveled portions of roadways, 1500 yards from domestic wildlife (cows, sheep, etc). Too many people are ignorant of what hunters/law abiding (conceal weapons) people have to know before them can use their second amendment right.
CHG kicensed citizens are responsible, properly trained and only use a hand gun when faced with a treat of death. As a woman who travels extensively across the country, I applaud the Senate for their courage of allowing those of us who are protecting ourselves and others. Vote YES!
I have a license to carry and the process I had to go through to get my permit was long and timely. Bleeding heart Liberals and their Lobbyists put up all sorts of “Roadblocks ” to limit my “RIGHT” to own and carry a gun. Right Wing Conservatives want guns for everyone. Why does Middle America have to pay for the ideological war of these two extremists. Allow those of us who “Follow the Law” to own and carry guns and do not penalize us for the mistakes of a few.
This is America people
I believe that once you have been cleared for a carry permit that permit should be accepted throughout the 48 states. It makes no sense at all to restrict travel to other states. We are Americans and we live under one flag. The unfortunate issue here is that in most states the average person has no way to protect themselves and family from a very violent group of people who have no issue with the talking of someone's life...even police officers. I have had a carry permit for more than 20 years and have never shot anyone. It's not the people with carry permits we have to worry about....it's the elements out there who have illegal guns and who prey on those who easy targets. The right to defense is a right of all in America. there are as I speak 28 states that have "Firearm Reciprocity Agreements" with the state I live in. Just pass the right to carry in all 48 states...as it has been said many, many times, Guns don't kill people...People Kill People.
Joe
What a weird society this is.....most would rather have a right to own a shotgun than have a decent health care system. This "I'm a law-abiding citizen" BS is laughable.
ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Guns are dangerous weapons and are used in harmful ways, anymore. I understand that it is the 2nd Ammendment (Right to Bear Arms), but something needs to be done.
Now we are going to allow people to carry harmful weapons to other states?!?!!
I just don't think it is a very good idea. While there are good people out there, that truly will use guns for protection and keep them concealed- there are some people that use guns inappropriately to harm themselves and people. I must say, I hope this does not pass.
I lived in and around NYC for many years. I was born and raised there and know it well. Despite its special qualities and cultural opportunities, overall it has become a cesspool of the worst human society has to offer. Anyone who has been on the streets of the South Bronx or Bed Stuy Brooklyn at night knows the true meaning of fear. The streets of Manhattan are not much better. The Mayor is right in that many more guns will be on the street and most of them will end up pointed at criminals as people stand up for themselves. When the police and the Mayor can't protect the citizens, and that has been painfully obvious since before the Mayor was born, how could anyone suggest that the citizens should not protect themselves. Personally I never have and never will buy a gun, I chose to move to somewhere more civilized, but those who can't or won't leave places like NYC should be permitted to defend themselves, their families and property in my opinion. I also know Vermont very well and Mr Bloomberg need not worry about Vermonters. Most of them want nothing to do with such a filthy dangerous place. His cesspool is safe from Vermonters I am sure !
Although my heart goes out to that young man who was shot at Virginia Tech, I have to say that he is absolutely unqualified to make the assertion that even if he ,or a law enforcement officer, had possessed a handgun on that terrible day, the end result would have been the same. That folks is hogwash, Law Enforcement officers are trained to react to threats as they occur, and to suppress the threat, ordinary folks, civilians, also can react and suppress a potential threat, Mothers of little children have a basic instinct to protect their children and we as human beings have a basic instinct to protect ourselves. All I want is a level "playing field" if the bad guys are going to possess Illegal handguns then why can't I ,as a law abiding citizen, who honestly from the bottom of my heart, hopes and prays I never have to use it , Legally carry a handgun for my protection. Legal handguns carried legally, should be viewed as a piece of safety equipment that one hopes one will never have to use.
PASS THIS AMMENDMENT! --or lets hear your argument? please hear mine!
food for thought: Criminals will carry concealed weopons regardless of what the laws say... thats what makes them criminals. If they are willing to murder, sell drugs, and perform other low-life crimes then they WILL most certainly illegally carry and conceal weapons.
So these laws give good upstanding citizens who DO obey the laws of the land the ability to legally counter those criminals who carry guns and have the ability to defend THEMSELVES and potentialy others instead depending so heavily on over stretched police forces.
Lets put this into perspective. What if a good upstanding citizen, who passes the background checks and is allowed to carry a concealed weapon, was a student at Virginia Tech and crossed paths with the murder Seung-Hui Cho, and was able to bravely act and stop him, from mercilessly walk and murder at will while NO ONE was able to oppose or stop him, due to a lack of equal or greater fire power, possibly saving the lives of countless students. I mean lets face it if some one couragously acted and stopped him, saving even one life from the un-necessary murder of a mentaly impared armed man. Wouldnt it be worth it?
I'm sure of one thing! The Criminals will have guns whether this law is passed or not, Everywhere in America!. This law is for the law abiding citizens not the random psychopaths that are running amok out there because the laws aren't keeping them in jail!! I would venture a guess that most criminals are not facing strong enough consequences for their previous crimes and that's why they aren't cought soon to prevent them for committing these deadly crimes thus people are afraid of guns. I personally have heard of people defending themselves lately and criminals paying the ultimate penalty, death which saves the tax payer many dollars taking care of them in jail which is fine by me. Not enough attention is being paid to habitual offenders and there in is where the real problem lyes.
Then some gay dude has the B#@%s to compare the two!! Outragious!!!
I agree with the analogy of your drivers license. Far more individuals, even by percentage, die on our streets and highways, than from gun violence, and yet states honor all other states drivers licenses that have more or less restrictive requirements and testing. Remember driving is a priviledge, not a right as compared to your constitutional right to defend yourself by carrying a weapon. Also, remember the amendment is aimed at law abiding citizens that are lawfully permitted through a state sponsored program to carry a concealed weapon. Most states, with maybe the exception of Vermont, take the program seriously and vet out those individuals that they deem should not be allowed to participate.
Gun LAWS only "apply" to law-abiding citizens. The criminals don't abide by laws period. Does anyone think criminals care what the laws are? This law, or lack thereof, will only effect law-abiding citizens who only want a concealed weapons permit for self-defense.The crminals already cross state lines, and don't bother getting ANY carry permits. And the best defense against said criminals, is a well-armed public. My hometown has had more than 30 bank robberies in the last year, in a VERY small city. If more citizens were armed, maybe I wouldn't fear walking into ANY bank in this town. But for now while the only ones in the bank with a gun are the criminals, I REFUSE to walk in the front doors of ANY bank in this whole city.
I am in favor of the bill. All persons with a conceal carry permit have to go through a background check. They are all checked out and have clean records (This is not something that the local thugs go through) Here, in Kansas, we go through a lot more than that. We have a certified course we must pass and a lot of money to pay out to get a permit. However, the person who wishes to rob me at gunpoint does not care about the laws to start with. That "criminal" is carrying illegally anyway. The way the law is at this time is that anyone traveling through the states could be a victim. My stepson was just robbed, at gunpoint, in downtown Chicago 2 weeks ago (outside the bus station) during daylight hours. If he had been armed, he would have had the option. If all citizens could be armed, then the robbers would have to find a job that is less risky. So, I believe that all citizens should be allowed to carry, period. That would make us all equally able to defend ourselves. Remember the words "carry a big stick"? Well, there are a lot of people that can not defend themselves from attack unless they have an equalizer.
Also, as for the people that are talking about having all states recognize the other state laws like the same-sex marriages. That is crap. There is nothing in the US constitution that says anything about the subject. We are talking about the right to defend ourselves, not the right to have a "relationship". So, let's not stray from the subject, here.
As a Citizen of the United States I have the right to protect myself anywhere I go. I also have the right to take a gun course, learn how to use one, pay and pass the tests required to received my gun permit.
Robbers don't have to do those things and they love the fact that you don't wish to carry a gun! Lots of pros and cons but I believe in my right to carry and bear arms. I hope the law passes.
Guns do NOT kill people, PEOPLE kill people, You can be killed with a sharp pencil, does that mean we should talke pencils away from everyone? Before you can get a CCW permit, they do a background check. If its found that your questionable,,,you will NOT get that permit.
As US Americans, we have that right to protect ourselves. You take that right away from us. and the only ones with guns will be the bad guy
My commend is awaiting moderation??? Because it truthfully states the US Media does not support the US Constitution as rigid law. Unless, it effect their right to free speech. [How many people have been killed “by law abiding citizens with guns”? Mistakes happen, misunderstandings happen, people get angry and pull out guns, all this just in case they get attacked? Really? Obviously these people are insane insisting on their right to carry guns. How about an IQ test before gun permits are issued? I bet you 75% of people with permits would be excluded from owning guns just based on IQ tests.] Guess law enforcement would be about the same percentage... Connecticut had one of their own State Trooper, who killed his wife and her lawyer in front of the State Court building. There are many other noted cases involving law enforcement personnel murdering someone with a firearm. We TEST them, don't we?
We cannot legislate mental illness. Those who "go off" and kill others, whether they can obtain weapons legally or illegally, will continue to be an unfortunate hazard to our society. However, should the law abiding citizen be denied the right to protect themselves and their families legally whether in their home state or while traveling throughout the US? No, it should not be denied, I believe we have that constitutional right and this bill makes logical sense and should be passed.
This amendment is possibly a Trojan Horse constructed by the anti-gun lobbyists, and it will do nothing to protect or expand the rights of those of us who are licensed to carry concealed. "Beware of Feds bearing gifts!"
I have no problems with the reciprocal agreements between states as they exist now, and why was this attached to a much needed defense bill, anyway? Simple. It would have been defeated on its own merits.
Like the Trojans, I imagine we will drag this into our walls only to have it destroy more of our rights.
I HAVE A C.W.P.,NOT EVERYONE CAN GET IT. IT TAKES A BACKGROUND CHECK FROM THE F.B.I. AND A.T.F. ALL HAND GUNS TO BE CARRIED ARE REGISTERED AS ARE THE PERSON. BLOOMBURG'S NOT TELLING THE WHOLE TRUTH! Col. DENNIS DIONNE
It my Constitution Right to Bear Arms. No matter what State I happen to be in today. Do you think the criminals care.
As usual mayor bloomburg is wrong about persons bringing guns to new york to sell. is is now and will continue to be illegal for individuals to travel interstate and sell a handgun, with or without a carry permit, anyone doing what the mayor said was a major concern is committing a crime. so have them arrested and charged with the crime and leave the honest citizens the right to protect themselves, or is the mayor inferring that the governing bodies in other states incompetent to do a thorough backround check?
All gun owners that have the right to carry conceled weapons in there state should be able to carry it across state lines! The right to bare arms is an amendment that's for the whole country! So how can we not let people carry there guns across state lines? What I don't understand is how it's realted to same sex marrige? Guns and same sex marrige are complety different and shouldn't be compared.
Please note that the legal carriers of handguns are involved in a very small percentage of newsworthy events. Also, in the State of Florida where the largest number of concealed permits have been issued, only around 1% have been revoked for criminal violations. It is interesting to note that the States and Cities which have the most stringent handgun laws also have the highest handgun-associated crime rates.
I am a law abiding, democratic citizen of Oregon and a concealed handgun license owner. My personal opinion is that as long as stringent federal background checks are made before the purchase of any firearm and even more so before a person is issued a license then it is not the licensees that the public ought to be worried about but all the unchecked firearms that have made it into the wrong hands that should be the real concern.
I live in Gerogia and have a concealed carry permit and would support the ammendment of allowing the license to be extended across state lines. I am a gun rights advocate and would like to see a variation passed that would require a more detailed background check.
If the individual desires to carry across state lines, then require another level of background and have that level indicated on the carry permit.
Take the state with the most rigorous requirements and set that as the threshhold for carry across state lines. If the individiual does not desire to carry across state lines, then the state laws of that resident apply.
I have a concealed carry permit from the State of Indiana. I carry it in my wallet next to my Indiana driver’s license. It seems strange to me, all 50 States recognize my license to exercise a privilege (driving), but won’t recognize my license to exercise a Constitutional Right (to have and bear arms). I am pretty sure more people are killed each year by automobiles than firearms.
Jon
It amazes me how all the gun opponents want to restrict law abiding citizens when it comes to guns. Bloomberg says passage would put more guns on the street. Well, yes, in the hands of law abiding citizens. Criminals do not pay attention to the laws. The mentality of some of these politicians is to pass a gun law that a criminal must wait 3 days before they can use the gun regardless if legall bought or stolen. As the old saying goes, I would rather be tried by 12 people instead of being carried by 6.
I have a concealed weapon and hope never to use my weapon. But I would if in a life threatening situation.
This bill is both fascinating and riddiculous. I never thought I would see the day when a Republican senator would advocate a massive movement away from states rights towards increasing federal authority. Interesting. This bill would take away an individual states right and ability to make its own determination on wheather an individual should be able to carry a concealed weapon within its borders. If the GOP is ready to shatter state autonomy for their own political gains, the traditional argument against a large federal government doesn't hold any water anymore.
Of course not. Any maniac can buy a gun in Vermont and open fire on Times Square. This proposition is absurd in light of 9/11 and the recent slew of shootings. Thune seems to have no sensitivity whatsoever to shooting victims and their loved ones. I thought the Democrats were a majority–why are we hearing so much more from the Republicans?
I live in Suffolk County, NY, on Long Island. I am a licensed concealed carry permit gun owner. If I want to leave home and, travel west, I cannot leave long Island without traveling through New York City. If I have my weapon with me I must lock it in the trunk of my car. If I stop in NYC it is more likely my car will be stolen or broken into, than I will be attacked. If I keep the weapon on my person I could be arrested.
Passing this bill is just lighting the fuse to a giant bomb. I used to support the NRA, not any more. The right to bear arms has been perverted into nothing more than a tool for others to make money.
And how many honestly think that they could "shoot straight" and put down or kill another human even if it called for it?
I suppose most of the anti-gun liberals would rather have a deranged unstable person who does not posess ANY permits carry a black market gun across across state lines.Anti-gun people need to wake up before it"s too late because the guns are coming to a town near YOU!
NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre says “At the scene of the crime, there are only two people there, the criminal and the victim,” The problem with this is that often, it seems, it takes one criminal and several victims. not to mention the victim's children, parents, spouses, partners, friends and other relations.
My family and I live in a bedroom community and never felt the need to own a gun, I always felt I could protect my family without one but resently my neighbor was robbed along with 5 other local homes by a group of robbers. I now have a permit and several hand guns, I am training my family in proper gun handling and target training. My home is posting alarm system and robber beware you will be shot by owner.
I am from Texas, and am a licensed concealed weapons carrier. I understand that states reach agreements if they wish to recongize other states license. But distrubuted people do not recongize laws or agreements. I do believe in the Second Amendment, and that I have the right to protect my family, and others if I can.
Why do we insist on going backwards in this country. Providing healthcare is socialism, same sex unions threaten our Union, but a return to the wild west is ideal. What the heck is going on here!!! Why is it necessary for civilians to carry weapons concealed across state lines? I live in Philadelphia and everyday in the city of brotherly love there is gunfire in the streets. Clearly people willing to agree to this bill have know idea of the impact pass there own desires.
Morning,
Regardless of a particular law in a particular state, the issue is bringing guns into somewhere like NYC. Yes, I understand the rights to bear arms but the question is not the concealment of the weapon but the weapon it self. In any urban area like NYC, what stops someone from stealing the gun off your person. Pickpockets can lift a wallet, purse, ipod, or cellphone off someone very easily. So now you have another gun to deal with in NYC. And who is to say that, god forbid, you draw your weapon in self defense, say in the subway, discharging a weapon in an enclosed area has enormous consequences. In that type of environment, bystanders and other individuals are all at risk. I'm sure that there aren't gun classes that discuss some of the issues of discharging a weapon in an enclosed urban environment. Just something to think about.
IMHO.
Brian Baron
I agree that we should allow people with legal carry permits to carry in other states. But if your home state does not require a permit, then you should not be allow to carry in other states. Only people with valid carry permit.
Jerry Harris – In Ohio open carry is legal. I would not have a problem open carrying if you would not FREAK out.
"Full faith and credit" has been interpreted to allow a "public policy" exception – when something that is legal in one state is illegal in another, the first state cannot force its laws on the second – same sex marriage is an example.
concerning the Gun Law issue, I have a state issued drivers license from Florida would Bloomberg consider my Florida drivers license over rulling New York state's rights if I take a road trip to New York or will Bloomberg require me to first pass a New York approve road test and background check. I think a legal gun owner should be able to protect themselves anywhere in the 50 states
Michigan State Police officers are required (and compensated) to carry their firearms off duty. Several years ago two officers were off duty and not armed. An armed robbery took place in their presence and they were unable to intervene. They were reprimanded and suspended for three days without pay. When an officer leaves the state to travel for a vacation he/she is required to carry within the state. It gets tricky when they cross into a state that would view their carrying as illegal. Risk your job? Risk arrest or loss of your firearm when entereing another state? Silly. Treat this as you treat drivers licenses. People using firearms for illegal purposes don't really care about the law, do they?
Just what we need; more guns or more gun laws protecting people who are just dying to shoot some innocent passerby who happens to be walking on their front lawn. When is it enough. When is society going to wake up and understand that guns/weapons are part of the problem and not the solution. I want to know how many of these NRA GI Joes have gone to war or have sons or daughters that have gone to war. If you want to go shoot someone, join the army.
I support the Thune-Vitter bill and asked Ohio's Senators to vote for it.
I generally support the rights of States, but the Constitution applies to every state and some states have denied the Second Amendment to their citizens. This law is a good thing.
I know several people with concealed carry permits. Everyone is non violent working type people. Do I trust other states to verify their concealed carry permit holders? Yes.
I do not support same-gender marriage or same gender benefits, like some folks in Vermont might. The Second Amendment is protected by the Constitution, same gender marriage and benefits are not.
Thanks
I feel it is a great Bill after all it is our right to keep and BEAR ARMS. Our police are taxed and not able to protect you and/or family . Great Bill let's get it passed.
Why have guns in the first place- for protection? What if nobody but the police were allowed to carry gun. Who would kill who with a gun, there wouldnt be virginia shooting b/c he had no gun. Ban individual from getting guns, and there would be no need for carrying consealed weapon b/c nobody would need it period.
I grew up in the Wakefield section of the Bronx, and despite strict gun laws put in place by Bloomberg and his cronies, the drug dealers and gangsters still had A LOT of guns. I'm a soldier now, who posesses a CCP (Concealed Carry Permit) in North Carolina, and now that I know first hand how hard it is to get this permit, I feel that opposition to this bill is by uninformed and/or overly-sensitive people. Opposing this law, hurts law abiding citizens and doesn't do much to keep pistols out of the reach of Bloods, Crips, Latin Kings, etc. There are much more important issues for our country to handle right now.
I'm sorry that Mr Goddard was too ill-prepared to react to those unfortunate circumstances at VT. In the language of self-defense, he was caught in the white- unaware, and in the assumption he was perfectly safe. A well prepared citizen, familiar with his or her pistol and ready to react would be able to draw down on an active shooter and engage him within seconds of the opening shots. It might not be enough to save everyone, but it would save some- and some is better than none.
My marriage license and my driver's license is good in every state, my license to carry concealed should be also. I have a constitutional right to do so as a law abiding citizen, yet I still have to jump through hoops. Vermont and Alaska have it right.
I live in Alabama and have had a valid Conceal Carry License for 15 years. I travel between States with my job. I firmly believe that if I am able to obtain a license to carry and the Second Ammendment is a right of law-abiding citizens then why is there a problem. You should be able to carry across state lines. It is not the law abiding citizen that is the problem. The people who break the law (in cases of violent crime or otherwise) should be punished to the fullist extent of the law. In some case even more severe.
So we wan't the oldwest back!!!. How well did that help thing's. When people are on the move it is stressfull, Just what we need is sterssout people armed, comming into my state from some other state, that don't know our law's. And with the crazzzzy right spinning out of control, just what we need, who do thay want to use all the gun's on????. Us on the left????. that is what I think. Thay lost last Nov, so this is how thay want to get back in power!!!!.
The problem here is states have been given to much authority which violates our constitutional rights. The constitution says all citizens have the rights to own arms. It does not say you cant own them only in NY but not go to Nj with them. We need to take a look at who we are voting into our states. They are turning this country into a thrid world country.
CCH license holders should definitely be able to cross state lines while carrying concealed. They have went through firearms training, been screened by their state's attorney general, and have went through a considerable waiting process to get their license. You cannot compare these people with your average gun owner. To own a gun its not that hard, but to go through all the stuff to get a CCH proves your not a criminal.
How about a federal license that can be applied for and used. That meets agreed requirements of training and back ground checking.
Absolutely! I am a 25 year-old, Princeton alumna from Indiana now residing permanently in New Jersey. Shooting handguns and target practice were significant parts of my experience growing up. I am trained and well-equipped to responsibly carry a handgun in my very gun-unfriendly state, and it is unfortunate that it is essentially impossible to do here. Do lawmakers honestly believe that making such legislature so intense really changes whether or not a criminal in the trifecta of Camden, Newark or Trenton gets a hold of a weapon and creates problems for everyone else around him or her? It's naive and foolish on the part of lawmakers, and they clearly have not had the opportunity to learn safe firearms technique and enjoyed the benefit of having the skill. Criminals are called criminals for a reason – laws do not resonate with them.
Your lead up to the story was biased. There is nothing wrong with law abiding citizens carrying weapons for personal protection. I have a concealed gun license, if I travel from Texas to Kansas, what am I supposed to do? Drop the gun out the window at the Texas/Oklahoma border? People should be allowed to protect themselves and their families from criminals. Criminals will not obey gun laws, so if we have law restricting citizens from carrying, you are handicapping our safety. For Gods sake, the law abiding citizens who carry are not the ones committing crimes. Its my constitutional right to carry a gun. The idiot who shot up Virginia Tech did not have a CCL. For those of you who dont know, you CAN buy a gun with out a CCL. So dont lump me in the same group as that moron who killed all those innocent kids. Im a college educated, upper middle class guy who just happens to enjoy protecting myself and not being a victim.
This is one more reason to not have legalization of conceiled hand guns... Outlawing guns would probably eliminate/reduce most of the concerns we currently have as a result of them.
Your story is very slanted, anti gun. You should let folks know that even concealed weapons permit holders are not allowed to carry guns on college campuses, as well as many other locations that are posted. There will always be exceptions, and those who don't obey the law. The majority who carry concealed weapons obey the law.
YES
federal rights trump states rights, hands down. the right to own a gun and defend yourself is consitutionally garunteed. if you buy a gun legally, go through the CCW course and pass it, you should be able to defend your family anywhere you go. i understand that tragedies happen with firearms everyday and it is regretable, but that doesnt allow the leftists to take away our constitutional rights. virgina tech was regretable but that kid bought his firearms legally. it would be no different if I, as a law abiding citizen who purchases my guns legally, decided to crazy and shoot everyone. the law wasnt broken until that kid started murdering everyone. if that scares you, THEN BUY A GUN LIKE THE REST OF US AND PROTECT YOURSELF. otherwise your gonna be the dead sucka who brought a knife to gun fight.
I suggest that Thune and the NRA have the constitutional issue turned on its head. The essence of the 2nd Amendment is that it is up to each state, and each state alone, to decide what its gun laws should be – the Federal government should not be meddling in any way.
If the federal government wants to usurp the states individual requirements regarding carry permits by allowing interstate travel, why don't they make a federal permit with the most stringent background checks and make the applicant pay the cost of the background check for the permit
The screening process for owning a weapon, and especially a concealed carry permit, should be more in-depth than it is. But I also believe we have the right to protect ourselves. Criminals don't want this to pass because they want to assume all their potential victims cannot protect themselves. We should get to the point where criminals have to think twice before committing a crime.
The proposed law requires the handgun owner to have a permit in their resident state, and the reciprocating state to also have CCW permits. In that situation, Vermont residents would not be permitted to carry in other states as they do not have any permit.
Secondly, legally owning a gun and having a CCW permit are two different things. Please do not confuse persons who legally own guns but have no CCW permit with those of us who have gone through the background checks to obtain a CCW permit. The is normally training required in addition to the background check. At least in ohio, there has been no incident of anyone with a CCW permit being accused of a violent gun crime since the law's inception, although there are violent gun crimes by persons who legally own guns without a CCW permit.
VERMONT LAW CLARIFICATION
Mayor Bloomberg and Chuck Schumer have not done their homework on this bill. This bill would allow for concealed weapon permit holders to carry their firearms in the other states that have a concealed weapon program. Vermont does not issue a concealed weapon permit therefore residents of Vermont may not cross state lines with a concealed weapon since they do not posses a concealed permit. Let’s stop using this scare tactics and stick to the facts please.
Eric from Jacksonville, Florida
God, The Universe or whomever you choose to believe in put you on this earth naked – and that's exactly what you have a right to. Carrying a man-made implement of harm is a "privilege" and one that should be strictly regulated. If you want to learn how to thwart an attacker, take a martial arts class.
What is the obsession with weapons? It is understanding to have weapons for different reasons, but making a fundamental right to carry guns into places known for being havens for families and young people and concealed weapons is a crime against my fundamental right to safety.
As a student at Gettysburg College which recently experienced a violent tragedy I cannot understand how anyone believes that MORE guns in MORE places is the solution to the growth of violent crimes. The second amendment is important and fundamental, but our constitution is a growing document, and maybe reinterpretation of that particular part of one of our founding documents is necessary given the times.
I am a licensed ,law abiding conseal and carry, my reason for doing so was safety for myself and family. I have been around guns and handled them for over 44 yrs. I feel that having that option I WILL not be a victim of crime. Besides I never run into criminals buying their guns or ammo at Walmart.
Yes! Yes! Yes! CWP holders are more diligent and responsible,our statistictics prove that. I took the time to take the necessary steps to have this privelidge and should be able to have it with me where ever I choose to travel. Protect the rights of those of us who follow the law, and come down on the lawbreakers!
This is crazy, when are you people going to wake up? This is a constitutional right you are messing with. Gay marrage is a choice you are comparing apples to oranges with these two subjects. You better wake up and take a stand to protect your rights before they are all gone.
Shame on Carol Costelllo. Concealed weapon permit holders have undergone criminal background checks, voluntarily put their fingerprints into the system, taken handgun training, and spent alot to get the permit. Ms. Costello's anti-gun sentiments get in the way of reporting the story objectively. Hopefully, you will continue to dwell in a perfect world where self defense is not required.
DO YOUR RESEARCH!
States now have reciprocity for concealed carry, it extends across the south and midwest. mention that in your story!!!!
While i agree there should be a nation wide CCW permit, it should come with more restrictions. I have my Concealed Carry permit in Pennsylvania, and it is rather easy to obtain. If something like this is brought to the floor of the Senate it should instead be a permit you can apply for to carry nation wide, not just give more privileges for your current state permit. Something that involves a mandatory class on handgun safety and laws, not simply a background check and a money order.
You comments on New York state having a higher level of background check and New York City having an even higher level is wrong. There is simply a higher price to get the permit. Permits are avaiable to anyone who can afford it hence in NYC only the rich have permits.
Being able to get an CCW permit in Wyoming or Florida and carry in NYC would mean that the average guy could afford to have a CCW permit in the city.
NO, I dont think that people should be able to carry a concealed gun. People are NUTS anymore and you never know who is going to snap at the drop of a dime.
No, each state should be allowed to admit concealed weapons permit holder within their state. The federal government should state out of this,
Until we evolve past the idea of having such a dangerous weapon available to complete idiots or madmen the gun will make us all mad if allowed to be abused like this.
Yes they need to pass this into law. Getting a CCW permit is a very stringet process and fingerprinting is requied. There are so many gun laws now that are ridiculous. It is a proven fact that staes with CCW permits have ruduced crime. The media plays up every gun crime there is and not even correctly most of the time. I get sick every time I hear " an assaliant with an AK47" Have the time its not even an assault weapon. It is my god given righ by the 2nd amendment to own and carry.
Get stricter with criminal laws if you are so concerned with public safety as opposed to encouraging a gun for a gun.
I see nothing at all wrong with this! Except for why it took so long to do.
why does he keep saying if you buy a gun in Vermont you can carry it in every other state legally? every other state requires a permit to carry so they cannot carry in other states that require a concealed weapons permit.
I am a gun owner that has my permit that lives in Philadelphia it takes a smart person i think you should be able to carry in other states i go to Delawere and New jersey a lot byt under the cyurrent law in not able to carry my weapon across Penn. state lines and at times i travel late at night i feel so unsafe with out my weapons
This is not a gun rights issue really, close to 40 states ALREADY allow its citizens to carry concealed weapons.. the majority of the country of course..
the real issue is can the government trump states rights, they have in the past, this is really no different. Even though I believe the right to bear arms is a constitutional right, I also believe the states have their own rights..
hard issue.
As a soldier I think that everyone has the right to conceal.....as long as they have a registered weapon and they have gone thru the appropriate courses to obtain a CCW. We should make a nationwide mandate to eliminate a "state-by-state" law.
when a criminal wants a gun, they will get a gun plain and simple. I have a first amendment right to protect myself and no one with a different "opinion" has the right to take my right.
Absolutely not. I was horrified when Congress decided to strip the residents of Washington D.C. of the right to control guns within their borders. I will feel less safe hiking in national parks knowing that anyone I meet on the trail might be armed.
People like tony need to go back to school... The US Constitution is RIGID LAW, it is not flexible law to interpretation nor can not be changed!!! Or, we do not have a democracy. I am not a Republican nor a Democrat, but it is rather funny that the US Media does not support the US Constitution as rigid law, of course, unless it affects their right to free speech.
Why not do away with concealed weapons and if these idiots want to carry a gun make them carry it in open sight, that way I'll know what jerk as a gun
The right thing to do for a change. The people that got thru the
process to obtain the carry permit, prints and all, aren't the gun runners like some BIG city mayors want other to think. They are
the law abiding people that shouldn't have that right taken away
within an other part of the USA. Stop grouping law abiding people with the criminals. Criminals get the guns no matter what the law. Look at Mexico.
I saw the segment done with Mayor Bloomberg on CNNAM this morning. Somebody should please ask that would-be dictator if his personal bodyguards carry guns in NYC. Mr. Bloomberg, I promise I won't bring a gun to NYC; I visited there for a week and have no desire to go back anyway.
And while we're at it, please ask Obama and the Congress if they think they might get more support if they had to get their health care from the same plan they intend to pass. That's where the makers of the Constitution messed it up; Congress should have to live under the rules they enact.
At first my wife was against me getting a concealed carry licence. Then I explained to her the rigor of the background check and the benefits of being able to quickly identify yourself to police as a law abiding citizen. In Texas you cannot get a concealed hangun license if you have ever had a felony or anything worse than a class b misdemeanor. Being of the darker persuation, the first reaction I get from police on the streets is uneasiness and stress, now when I identify myself by giving them my drivers license and concealed license they are immediately at ease. I was surprised by this the first time it happened and so I asked the officer. He said it was because that license told him immediately that I was not wanted and had never been in trouble with the law. I should have the right to be treated like that in all 50 states. Unfortunately I have to carry 50pages of reciprocity rules with me when I travel now.
Yes, I feel that legal CCW holders in one state should be allowed to carry in any state; the same as valid drivers license holders in one state are permitted to drive in any state. Many states currently allow CCW reciprocity now. If all states would grant reciprocity to each other, that would solve the problem of multi-state carry. However, the requirements to hold a CCW should be more uniform (and perhaps more stringnet) Nationwide, instead of different for each state. This may help to prevent those who are not qualified to hold a CCW permit from getting one.
As a former Military Policeman, State Trooper, Corrections Officer, and Private Armed Security Guard, I feel that I not only have the right, but the obligation to protect myself and my family by any means necessary. As a former Law Enforcement Officer, I know the pros and cons of conceal carry. I personally would rather be safe than sorry.
The most fundamental human right is the Right to Life, as in "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness." Both Life and Liberty require the law abiding American to have the means to save her own life when she travels from one state to another. Would we tolerate allowing black people to stay overnight in any hotel of their choice while traveling in Mississippi or South Carolina, but requiring them to stay in Black Only hotels in New York, if state law allowed New York hotels the option to refuse service to anyone? We rejected such bigotry decades ago.
The new strategy of the gun control crowd, since Heller VS District of Columbia, is to grant the Right to Keep and Bear Arms in theory while doing everything humanly possible to deny it in practice. Mayor Bloomberg's sophistry is just the latest example.
I particularly like Hizzoner's claim that allowing for concealed carry will encourage more gun running into his state. Like, someone with a trunk full of guns is not going to tuck one under his jacket unless he can get a concealed carry permit to do so? It's nice to know that this sort of thing is simply not happening in New York, since no law abiding gun runner would ever do such a thing. Thank you, Mayor, for enlightening us all on this fine point of gun runner behavior.
Keith no one is talking about illegal substances, nor is this an issue of democrats vs. republicans. It is about THE PEOPLES US Constitutional rights being violated by elected officials, who were sworn to uphold the US Constitution.
No gun law will EVER stop a criminal. Period. If concealed carry permit owners are allowed to cross state lines, then more power to them, they're law abiding citizens. I don't fear law abiding citizens. We should have the opportunity to defend ourselves against criminals who pay no attention to gun laws at all! Those who don't want concealed carry, should leave their guns at home or in the gun shop and continue to rely on the police for their protection. (Good luck with that.)
If its such a wonderfull law, why did they sneak it in as amendment into with something completely unrelated? Things that make you go HHHHMMMMM?