I’ve been passing on covering things like “the Mexican Gun Canard” and the 20/20 “guns on campus” abomination because other blogs have covered them mighty well. I have nothing to add.
But discussion of the Inter-American Arms Treaty (also known as CIFTA) has ugly implications. You need to contact your Senators and ensure this doesn’t happen.
I’ve seen this before and in light of my postings here and here, I thought it would be worthwhile to post. There are certainly a great many things one can take from this video, but the one I wish to stress is training. Lance Thomas feels he was able to handle his situations because of training, and he flat out says that just having a gun isn’t enough… you have to train.
I really do not like Ann Coulter. But this article I mostly agree with. I don’t like all of her cheapshots and bashing (but it’s not being diplomatic that makes her money), but her underlying argument is spot on.
I just received an email update from TSRA that HB 1893 passed out of committee by a 5-3 vote.
As of this writing the bill’s page isn’t updated and I can’t find more details yet… hopefully more details soon.
Updated: Still waiting on the meeting minutes. I’d like to know who voted how.
Updated 2: Finally, the meeting minutes have been posted. I list their name followed by party affiliation, district number, and NRA 2008 grade:
For: Merritt (R, 7, A); Frost (D, 1, A+); Driver (R, 113, A+); King, Phil (R, 61, A+); Lewis (R, 81, C).
Against: Burnam (D, 90, F); Mallory Caraway (D, 110, C); Rodriguez, Eddie (D, 51, D).
Absent: Vo (D, 149, B+)
Another article discussing Texas’ effort for concealed carry on college campuses.
Though most college students are legally adults, they are still maturing and are often subject to stress that can lead to depression, substance abuse and other mental health issues, the statement says. Bringing guns into that environment could be dangerous.
The proposed law only extends to people with a concealed handgun license, which in Texas means you must be at least 21 years of age. Furthermore, these same people can carry when not on campus. Is there something about the invisible line of a campus boundary that changes things? If a person is having problems, they’re going to have them on both sides of that line. If they’re not having problems, they’re going to not have them on both sides of that line.
Shirley Reed, president of South Texas College, said she also opposes the legislation and believes security should be left to the professionals. Although concealed handgun licensees may know how to use a weapon, they are not versed in how to make the judgment of whether to fire it, she said.
Because they are professionals doesn’t mean much. I can’t carry a cop around with me all day every day. Even if I could, it’s been ruled time and time again they are under no obligation to actually provide any sort of security. Then even if they would, it doesn’t mean they are effective and capable. Furthermore, Ms. Reed states that a licensees are not versed on how to make the judgment of whether to fire a gun. If you are in fear of your life, you can fire it. If you are not, then you shouldn’t be firing it. But apparently I can’t make that judgment call…. and then I wonder, what else are we not capable of judging? Ms. Reed, if you don’t think we’re capable of that, what do you think we’re capable of? Just what do you think of us and our ability? Why do you think so little of the students that attend South Texas College? Are you that ineffective as an educator?
“I strongly believe in the right to bear arms,” [Rep. Veronica] Gonzales [D-McAllen] said. “But there’s a time and a place for it.”
“A school should be a peaceful environment,” Gonzales said
Marcos Silva, the [UTPA] student body president, said students have told him that if they knew a classmate had a gun, they would be more likely to focus on that person than what a professor was saying.
“If the law permits it for adults, with licenses … what is the problem?” said [Rep. Aaron] Peña, D-Edinburg. “We’re not dealing with children here. We’re dealing with adults.”
From the NYT, an editorial on …. well… I guess how to spout (the same old) lies?
Gosh, I don’t even know where to begin. The whole thing is just full of misinformation.
This was a choice piece tho:
States routinely grant concealed carry licenses without proper background checks or training. Indeed, among the evidence Bush officials ignored in their haste to relax national park gun limits was the long list of violent crimes committed by dangerous people with state concealed carry licenses. Contrary to gun lobby claims, the evidence suggests that permitting concealed weapons drives up crime rather than decreasing it.
And your evidence is where?
Actual empirical evidence (to the contrary) can be found here and here and here and here and here and here and if you really need more I can find it.
Furthermore, who wrote this editorial? If you’re going to open your yap at least have the guts to identify yourself and stand behind what you say.
Just read this piece about some Nebraska state legislation regarding their concealed carry laws. This is a good sign, and I hope it goes through. Slowly but surely Nebraska’s laws will improve.
An editorial on irrational thinking.
That’s the thing. There isn’t thinking, it’s all emotion driven.
The myth of the 90% statistic.
But hey… don’t let facts get in the way of your agenda.
Went looking for information on HB 1893 and found this, which didn’t add a whole lot, then found this and this which was somewhat of a live blog of the hearing coverage.
Apparently it was not passed out of committee and the committee adjourned at 10:56 PM after hearing several hours of testimony.
So, I guess we continue to wait….
Interesting to consider some of the testimony mentioned in the hearing. Some was the same old claptrap from the anti’s, based on emotion and ignoring all facts and evidence. One interesting pro argument was the disabled on campus, wanting to ensure they could defend themselves. The live blog contains a lot of chatter, but it is interesting to review.
Updated: The bill’s official page has been updated to say it was considered in public hearing, testimony was taken and recorded, and it was left pending in committee. Hopefully just means the hour was late, everyone was tired and wanted to go home, and they’ll pick things up today. More updates as I find ’em.
As well, I see there are now 66 co-authors listed. There were 65 when I last checked.
Stuff From Hsoi 