Texan_Til_I_Die
01-24-2005, 06:16 PM
The threads on abortion, the death penalty and most recently interracial relationships have really gone off well (with the exception of all of those entries that Buckee deleted before I could read them!). In that same spirit, what do ya’ll think about the issue of state’s rights and concealed carry? Should other states be required to recognize my license? There is a beginning grass-roots movement to institute a nationwide reciprocity agreement that would require all states to recognize and honor any state’s licenses, even in those states where owning a handgun is virtually impossible. I’m sure that there would have to be some minimum standards established or perhaps even a national concealed carry license. What do you think – good idea or bad idea?
I’m licensed to carry a concealed handgun in Texas by our state police. The certification consists of several hours of classroom instruction followed by a written test over that material. Then you must pass a proficiency test at the range by demonstrating proper safety skills and by shooting a minimum score in a live fire exercise. If you want to carry a semi-auto handgun, then you must qualify with a semi-auto. Currently my Texas license is also recognized in Colorado, Montana, Georgia, Mississippi, Utah, Idaho, North Carolina, Wyoming, Kentucky, Tennessee, Florida, Arizona, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas. That’s 16 (counting Texas) out of 50 states. Do those other 34 states and the District of Columbia have the authority to tell me that I must relinquish my right to self defense if I travel to or through their state? Something tells me that I might have more of a need for protection when visiting New York, Chicago or Los Angeles than I would in Missoula, Boise or Laramie.
I’ve always been a big “state’s rights” type of person, but in this case I believe that if its done properly, a national right to carry law would be the best solution. My reasoning is that there are some rights that should be universal, regardless of what some state legislature or governor may say, and the right of self defense is one of those!
I’m licensed to carry a concealed handgun in Texas by our state police. The certification consists of several hours of classroom instruction followed by a written test over that material. Then you must pass a proficiency test at the range by demonstrating proper safety skills and by shooting a minimum score in a live fire exercise. If you want to carry a semi-auto handgun, then you must qualify with a semi-auto. Currently my Texas license is also recognized in Colorado, Montana, Georgia, Mississippi, Utah, Idaho, North Carolina, Wyoming, Kentucky, Tennessee, Florida, Arizona, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas. That’s 16 (counting Texas) out of 50 states. Do those other 34 states and the District of Columbia have the authority to tell me that I must relinquish my right to self defense if I travel to or through their state? Something tells me that I might have more of a need for protection when visiting New York, Chicago or Los Angeles than I would in Missoula, Boise or Laramie.
I’ve always been a big “state’s rights” type of person, but in this case I believe that if its done properly, a national right to carry law would be the best solution. My reasoning is that there are some rights that should be universal, regardless of what some state legislature or governor may say, and the right of self defense is one of those!