imported post
From what I found on Wikipedia, it's not like Alaska just got unrestricted carry in one shot. In 1994, Alaska got Shall-Issue CC permits, then in 2003 it changed to unrestricted CC.
Here is a map that shows the history of concealed carry law across the USA.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rtc.gif
I understand the thinking of people not wanting to have permits at all (not giving up anything, but have nothing until we get it all). However, there are people on the opposite side of the issue who are say, lets not allow any type of carry now or they will slowly get all types of carry... I think this is part of way it's so hard to get any type of concealed carry passed. People on both sides aren't willing to less a little water over the damn because they fear a flood!
No state that has gotten shall-issue has ever repelled CC, however, Alaska has moved to a less restrictive carry. Several states have gone from a restrictive May-Issue to Shall-Issue. The progression has been to less restrictive, so I don't see why Wisconsin would be any different. I wouldn't have a problem with the legislation Gene proposed.
I know that I have the right to bear arms for security, yes, we are open carrying, but I don't have the right to protect myself or my family concealed. So concealed carry is not an exercisable
right, it's not an option at this point... so I would rather exercise a
privilege to conceal carry that not have the "right" to. I already pay for my concealed carry permit in other states so paying for my permit in WI wouldn't effect me financially anyways (and until all states are unrestricted that won't change for me).
I don't want criminals to be able to carry guns (although I know they will), but what I really want is for them to be prosecuted when caught with a firearm. This is where unrestricted carry doesn't help. If a permit system is put in place it allow permit holders concealed carry, and still restricts it from criminals. I don't have anything to back this up, but I assume that Alaska doesn't have the crime rates of cities in Wisconsin, which might have something to do with my they have the laws they do.
[flame suit on]