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Consider this scenario. Police officers stop a car for a traffic violation. While getting ID from the driver, he sees the butt of a handgun protruding from under the driver's seat. Office asks the driver where he is going.

Frankly, it is none of the officer's business. We have the right of travel. Unless the officer is planning to drop the charge and let the driver off with a warning, or escort (say, speeding in an attempt to receive quick medical attention), it should not influence the officer into pursuing further charges.

Driver answers that he is going to the liquor store 2 miles from his house. Driver meets the other requisites for "traveling". On the way back from the adult beverage store, driver sees someone who he thinks "disrespected" him some time back and shoots his acquaintance. Victim survives, finds out the police knew about the gun, the settled law is that he was not traveling; officer and his municipality are sued by the victim.

That's some crazy sort of "what if". The driver could just as easily have been out driving to get a hamburger or a pack of cigarettes and gets disrespected. If we end lawsuit abuse, these goofy cases, holding the officer/county guilty for the actions of a criminal, would go away.

That same driver could use his car as a deadly weapon running another driver off the road or chasing down a pedestrian (I've seen both happen). The officer should have impounded the car when he stopped the driver (though sober), never know what he might do with such a "weapon".

Point is that not everyone is as judicious about gun ownership as you and your friends probably are. If the legislature had really meant to allow anyone who wanted to carry a handgun (note, the law does not apply to shoulder weapons) in their car, why do you suppose they did not repeal the laws with respect concealed carry permits?

Conceal carry still means you can carry your gun on your person when you are walking about. Why would THAT have to be repealed???

Presumptions are simply that. For instance all persons charged with crimes are presumed to be innocent, but that doesn't mean that they are in fact innocent. By the way, I'm up for re-election in '08."

Ladies and gentlemen, now you know the type of "leadership" we face daily in Houston. "Sit down, shut up. And fork over your wallet. I thank you for your support."