Arizona has become the third state in the Union to allow citizens to carry a concealed weapon without requiring a permit!
As a concealed weapons carrier and former police officer I disagree with the police notion that finding someone with a gun but no permit is a good way to assess whether or not they are a law abiding citizen.
It is A way but not neccessarily a "good" way. There's lots of laws that get broken that don't involve packing heat.
I also disagree with the assessment that there are a lot of immature 21 year olds who may lack the judgement to be carrying a weapon. Well frick. I guess the ones with bad judgment will end up shot by the ones with good judgment and a quicker draw thus cleaning the gene pool. At least.....that's how it used to be done.
Not only that by 19 I was packing a lot more than just a concealed handgun in the service of my country with a responsibility greater than most people will have in their entire lives cumulatively.
A lot of people have said that having a concealed handgun license allows the government to track you. Perhaps, but its not like they don't have my taxes, drivers license, internet ISP, email, social security number, birth certificate, place of work, fingerprints, military records, pay stubs, education records, automobile insurance, driving records, records of all vehicles I've owned, everywhere I've lived and credit score anyways.
When you get a concealed weapons permit that sends a message (actually a few) to the government: 1) I'm law abiding 2) I'm responsible 3) I'm exercising my rights 4) I believe in gun ownership 5) I don't rely on the government to protect me. I've heard it said and I agree with it: the more people that get their concealed weapons permits in this nation the more secure our right to bear arms becomes.
My wife took her class for her concealed weapons permit the other week. It's been amazing since "The Chosen One" has become president, the classes are pretty darned full. The price of ammo has skyrocketed as well. Switch to .22 caliber ammo and a gun to go with it. You'll actually be able to afford to go shooting, practice and be able to afford to defend yourself.
One thing I disagree with in the law is the police being able to take your weapon from you while speaking with you and you being required to tell them you're packing. Part of the purpose of the 2nd Ammendment was to protect us when we could no longer exercise the 1st Ammendment and to protect ourselves against the government.
Other police officers will say their job is dangerous talking to people who are armed. Let me ask you how many people have been abused by the police? How dangerous is law enforcment as well?
I think a bit of mutual respect on this issue and some all-around responsibility would benefit everyone.
In the meantime - I exercise my 2nd ammendment rights!
