Gun Control Oppresses The Minority
BY Herschel Smith
11 years, 8 months ago
Kurt Hofmann deals with this silly notion in the MSM these days that the number of gun owners is declining. It’s a false assertion, but after addressing it, Kurt observes:
The gun prohibitionists want lowered gun ownership not only because they dislike guns and gun owners, though. The NYT article cuts to the chase:
“It also raises questions about the future politics of gun control. Will efforts to regulate guns eventually meet with less resistance if they are increasingly concentrated in fewer hands — or more resistance?”
The notion that gun ownership is declining is an article of faith among advocates of oppressive gun laws, because it is, after all, easier to trample the rights of minorities, as we have discussed before. As noted in that column, this is likely the reason that groups like the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence so often describe the U.S. as a “democracy,” rather than acknowledging that we live in a republic.
Yes, and here is another article that describes an analogous concept, where local LEOs are in charge of deciding who may have a concealed handgun permit (or even permit to purchase) in lieu of “shall issue” statutes.
That difference, played out across the state, reflects a patchwork system in which geography, and gut instinct, can determine whether someone obtains what is known as an unrestricted Class A license, which allows them to carry not only a concealed weapon but loaded, large-capacity handguns, rifles, and shotguns without limits on use. It is the broadest gun license available under state law, held by 240,000 people.
Although applicants must clear a state background check — no felony convictions or restraining orders, for example — the final say goes to local police chiefs, who have discretion to reject any resident not deemed “suitable” for a license to carry. They also can limit permits to target practice, sport, hunting, or to people whose jobs are thought to put them at risk.
South Carolina is currently considering legalization of open carry. Texas is also considering such a law, and while there are all kinds of irrational fears that grip legislators when they consider this kind of thing, I can assure them that nothing they fear comes to pass. I live in an open carry state, and the sky does not fall every day.
These are Jim Crow laws, and the idea behind them is the same as the one behind demonization of gun owners in general that Kurt analyzes. The difference here, and something that the legislators should consider, is that we won’t be easy to trample underfoot. We have guns.
Note to legislators. Tread carefully. Don’t cross lines from which there is no return.
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