tak2w
Regular Member
From today's Daily Reflector (Greenville)
http://www.reflector.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-balance-gun-laws-354473
The establishment of a Republican majority in the General Assembly all but assured a push to loosen restrictions on gun owners in North Carolina. Some of these suggested changes seem worthy of consideration, like the so-called Castle Doctrine, which assumes the right of an individual to use deadly force when acting in self defense in a home, car or place of business.
However, one proposed change, which would allow citizens with concealed-carry permits to bring their weapons into places that serve alcohol, stretches the boundary of propriety. There are some places where an influx of firearms threatens to do more harm than good, and Greenville's representatives should be among those standing in opposition to this change.
With the GOP winning majorities in the state House and Senate for the first time in more than a century, it is no surprise that some issues sidelined by Democratic leadership for years would be dusted off for debate. Laws involving the purchase, possession and use of firearms make an easy target for Republican lawmakers seeking to appease their conservative base, though many suggestions find favor among Democrats, as well.
The N.C . Senate S.B. 34, known as the Castle Doctrine, is one example. Individuals should have the right to defend themselves in their home, car or place of business when the threat of harm is evident. The argument that the statute would encourage vigilante justice is excessive in its fear.
In contrast, the state law prohibiting concealed weapons in bars and restaurants is well founded. The state has a vested interest in keeping firearms away from places that serve alcohol, despite laws that make it a crime to drink while carrying a gun. Just as the state continues to fight those who operate a motor vehicle after drinking, it need not condone potentially putting a deadly weapon within reach of the irresponsible.
Expect staunch defenders of the Second Amendment and gun enthusiasts to trot out the familiar arguments about self defense and citizens' rights. This time that rhetoric rings hollow. While there does exist the basic right to own a gun and, when properly trained and licensed, to conceal and carry that weapon, even the most responsible firearm advocates should recognize the inherent danger in mixing booze and bullets.
Greenville struggles with the number of patrons already frequenting its bars and restaurants. Adding more firearms to the mix seems a recipe for disaster. Those who represent this community should not allow that to happen.
http://www.reflector.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-balance-gun-laws-354473
The establishment of a Republican majority in the General Assembly all but assured a push to loosen restrictions on gun owners in North Carolina. Some of these suggested changes seem worthy of consideration, like the so-called Castle Doctrine, which assumes the right of an individual to use deadly force when acting in self defense in a home, car or place of business.
However, one proposed change, which would allow citizens with concealed-carry permits to bring their weapons into places that serve alcohol, stretches the boundary of propriety. There are some places where an influx of firearms threatens to do more harm than good, and Greenville's representatives should be among those standing in opposition to this change.
With the GOP winning majorities in the state House and Senate for the first time in more than a century, it is no surprise that some issues sidelined by Democratic leadership for years would be dusted off for debate. Laws involving the purchase, possession and use of firearms make an easy target for Republican lawmakers seeking to appease their conservative base, though many suggestions find favor among Democrats, as well.
The N.C . Senate S.B. 34, known as the Castle Doctrine, is one example. Individuals should have the right to defend themselves in their home, car or place of business when the threat of harm is evident. The argument that the statute would encourage vigilante justice is excessive in its fear.
In contrast, the state law prohibiting concealed weapons in bars and restaurants is well founded. The state has a vested interest in keeping firearms away from places that serve alcohol, despite laws that make it a crime to drink while carrying a gun. Just as the state continues to fight those who operate a motor vehicle after drinking, it need not condone potentially putting a deadly weapon within reach of the irresponsible.
Expect staunch defenders of the Second Amendment and gun enthusiasts to trot out the familiar arguments about self defense and citizens' rights. This time that rhetoric rings hollow. While there does exist the basic right to own a gun and, when properly trained and licensed, to conceal and carry that weapon, even the most responsible firearm advocates should recognize the inherent danger in mixing booze and bullets.
Greenville struggles with the number of patrons already frequenting its bars and restaurants. Adding more firearms to the mix seems a recipe for disaster. Those who represent this community should not allow that to happen.