Posted on 12/26/2001 2:55:46 PM PST by Native American Female Vet
Kentucky's disdain for gun control complicates attempts to boost Capitol security
By Associated Press, 12/26/2001 14:07
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) Kentucky legislators' disdain for gun control is complicating efforts to increase security at the state Capitol.
Security measures initiated since the Sept. 11 attacks include metal detectors, which are expected to be installed by the time the 2002 General Assembly begins Jan. 8.
However, security personnel do not know if they will allowed to do anything about any guns detected by the machines.
State Police and the Finance Cabinet, the agency responsible for state property, are still trying to determine if people with guns can be kept out of the Capitol or if they merely can be identified and watched.
The problem is that lawmakers in 1998 rejected an executive order by Gov. Paul Patton that would have banned concealed weapons from state buildings. A 1996 measure legalized the carrying of concealed weapons for people who have a permit, and Kentucky does not ban the carrying of weapons in plain sight.
The sponsor of the concealed-carry law believes the new metal detectors are ''a massive waste of taxpayers' money.'' Rep. Bob Damron said he will introduce a resolution demanding the removal of the devices. He suggested giving them to schools or courthouses.
Guns are banned from schools in Kentucky, and judges have authority to bar them from courthouses.
What problem?
They are doing something right in Kentucky.
The problem is that lawmakers in 1998 rejected an executive order by Gov. Paul Patton that would have banned concealed weapons from state buildings. A 1996 measure legalized the carrying of concealed weapons for people who have a permit, and Kentucky does not ban the carrying of weapons in plain sight.
To me it sounds like Kentucky has the highest security I have heard of. Any State House employee who wishes to, can carry openly or with CCW carry concealed. This means there has to be a definite fear of the unknown to any would be trouble maker entering the Capitol that around any corner there could be an armed individual who will put an end to his plans of mayhem with a bullet.
When the people fear the government, there is TYRANNY.
An AP headline you'll never see: Maryland's disdain for racial profiling complicates attempts to combat drug trade
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