A pitched fight over handguns takes place in the Senate this week as gun control advocates move to block an amendment to the defense authorization bill that would allow armed citizens with state-approved concealed-carry permits to cross into another state that also allows the carrying of concealed weapons. The reciprocity amendment is being offered by South Dakota Sen. John Thune, who says it would require those crossing into a neighboring state to follow the rules governing concealed weapons in those localities. "My legislation enables citizens to protect themselves while respecting individual state firearms laws," said Thune. He should know: Thune has his South Dakota carry permit. His amendment is backed by the NRA, Gun Owners of America, and six other gun groups.
Opposition, however, is fierce. Already groups opposed to the amendment have begun running ads and penning letters to lawmakers urging a "No" vote. Sen. Frank Lautenberg, the New Jersey Democrat who has long fought gun groups, tomorrow is planning to launch his retaliation at a press conference. "Trumping state laws to allow concealed weapons to be carried by almost anybody in any state is an egregious threat to communities all across the country," he told us today. "This amendment is just another attempt by the gun lobby to put its radical agenda ahead of safety and security in our communities." His office released a letter from the International Association of Chiefs of Police opposing the legislation, claiming that it might override different state laws that limit who can carry a concealed weapon. He also released a letter from the mayors of more than 400 cities and towns that claims the Thune "concealed-carry amendment" would infringe on state laws.
Thune, however, chairman of the Republican Policy Conference, said that his amendment won't do that. Said spokesman Kyle Downey: "Senator Thune doesn't believe your constitutional rights should cease to exist when you cross the state border." Thune also said that he's pushing the amendment because it could cut crime and save lives.
Beware of RED-HERRINGS that attempt to make the DemoRats appear to have an interest in preserving Constitutional rights and anything similar....we know better.
2A Bump.
Vote these a$$hats out of office. They are a discrace to the country and law abiding gun owners .
Despite the fact that Reid’s name was in it, I figured it must be a good vote because the Politico used the word “divisive.”
I see this as a bone Harry’s throwing out. Emanuels strategy the last two elections was to run pro-gun conservative Dems in conservative districts.
It’s left the liberals on a tightrope because they know gun control is a loser and losing control of the House is what will happen if they go left on guns.
Take him out like Daschel!
The world is indeed a strange place.
Needless to say we should get our Senators and representatives to support this bill and bring some sanity into the gun license picture.
A question to readers: how many of you have shot an email to the appropriate Senator advocating passage?
THESE SENATORS ARE UP FOR RE-ELECTION IN 2010 (if they choose)- Please let them know that you are aware of this when you communicate with them. MANY scumbags are up for re-election in 2010. You can contact any of them, and even give an in-state address if you want to get proactive.
Bayh, Evan - (D - IN) Class III 131 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510 (202) 224-5623 Web Form: bayh.senate.gov/contact/email/
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didnt think so...
Well, first, not "everyone" would be allowed to carry concealed, only those with permits in states which issue permits.
But the real brilliance here is the call to question on overriding state laws. If the Federal Government cannot do so to provide full faith and credit to a concealed carry permit, then they cannot do so with any other document, nor can Federal Law override State law on other issues as well.
If the measure fails on the States' Rights argument, the Feds have gutted their own proposals for anything which overrides state law, including the laws affirming the 10th Amendment.
This could be really interesting.