The Republican party stresses the importance of States” Rights, except, it appears, in one instance: concealed weapons permits. Congressional Republicans are considering advancing a bill that would require each state to recognize the CCW permits of all the other states.
The insanity or stupidity of such a law is so obvious it is incredible that the Congress would even consider it. The laws of each state sometimes vary quite widely. Vermont and Arizona, for example, don”t even require its citizens to have a permit in order to carry concealed.
Imagine someone coming into California from another state if this bill becomes law. His CCW would be valid; however, he would have to follow California law.
How is this person going to know our laws unless he takes a class? California does not allow CCW holders to enter a bar with a weapon. Some states do. If a visitor were to follow the laws of his state, he would be immediately charged with a felony in this instance.
And what about Vermont and Arizona? Ignoring the fact that there is no guarantee of basic competency in either the knowledge of the law or competency in handling a firearm due to the lack of a screening class provided by a permit process, how would these people be treated if they came to California with a concealed weapon?
Legislators apparently don”t realize the importance of the permit process. Above and beyond the importance of knowing the law and safety is how to respond to the various situations a permitee may encounter. Having a concealed weapon in a routine traffic stop can really ruin a person”s day if he doesn”t know how to deal with this situation ? among others.
I”ve been an NRA member for over 30 years, and I”m still amazed that the Republicans will carry out the mandates of the extremists in the NRA ? even though some of these ideas are a threat to public safety.
The Second Amendment guarantees the right “to keep and bear Arms (sic),” but it doesn”t say where or how or when!
Charles Moton
Lucerne
