I'm Right Again Dot ComA new commentary every Wednesday - January, 14, 2015
Gun Control
Several synchronicities provided the nexus for this piece: Initially, the fourth anniversary of the killing of six and the wounding of 13 others a block away from my home in Tucson, Arizona, by an insane person. Next, an article from the New York Times that deals with a controversy about handguns—in of all places: the Lone Star State of Texas, and a shorthand (expurgated) version of of Arizona Revised Statute 13-3112, having to do with obtaining a permit to carry a concealed weapon in the state where I have lived since 1967.
Current (1996) law in Texas allows the open carry of long guns and shotguns, if one has a valid hunting license—and the cost of permits range according to what specie of wildlife is to be hunted. Texas is one of six states that specifically prohibits the open carrying of handguns. However, if one can qualify, one can purchase a permit to carry a concealed weapon carry permit in Texas for an origination fee of $140 for a four year period, with extensions at the cost of $70 for every four-year span thereafter. Somehow, the logic in this exercise evades me.
The problem is that six different bills hit the hopper in the Texas legislature in December, 2014, all dealing with firearms. The different factions supporting each piece of legislation have successfully confused the electorate—perhaps irreparably. A costly conflict has emerged over the language of six different pieces of legislature, including one proposed by retired Army officer C.J. Grisham, who was once fined $2,000 for carrying an AR-15 in his built up, city neighborhood. A Wildlife official said the only thing that could have been threatening Grisham was an enraged armadillo. (I suppose the only creature that is less aggressive is a frightened opossum).
Grisham speaks critically of established groups, including the National Rifle Association, which has denounced the tactics of Grisham's group, "Open Carry Texas." It has held rallies where protesters have brandished weapons openly on city streets. "The NRA likes to play nice," Grisham responded. "They like to do things in a nice way, and get favors in return. We think we shouldn't have to buy our constitutional rights back." (Remember the Alamo, C.J. ...)
Finally, I printed Arizona Revised Statute 13-312—four full pages of 12 point type, that requires considerable interpretation by an attorney. Famous Texas gunfighter and lawyer, John Wesley Hardin could have made a fortune on the opportunities presented n Section E of ARS 13-312. "One must meet the following conditions: Be a resident of Arizona or a U.S. citizen. Either be 21 years of age or be at least 18 or be able to show proof of current military service or honorable discharge from U.S. Armed forces, armed forces reserve or state national guard." (How about being a resident...but not a citizen? Sorry, I asked).
(This is where it get murky)..."Must not have been indicted for a felony unless a resulting conviction has been expunged," (and even murkier), "The applicant is currently not a prohibited possessor (of a weapon?) under state or federal law." (I think that this means that if you are guilty of already breaking the concealed weapon law in Arizona or elsewhere, you ain't gonna' get a permit. Here, anyway).
A Bigee: "Does not suffer from mental illness and has not been adjudicated mentally incompetent or committed to a mental institution"
(There is nothing that indicates how this requirement is to be enforced. Currently, there is still little to prevent a maniac in Arizona from purchasing a 9-millimeter Glock handgun, any number of oversize clips and cleaning out several stores' remaining 9mm ammunition, before acting out in another massacre).
This is what gives responsible gun owners an undeserved bad reputation.
Finally, Arizona Revised Statute 13-3112 states: "The holder of a concealed weapons carry permit must not be in the United States unlawfully." (No, the writer refuses to guess how the 9th Circuit Court or the "Soopreems," will deal with this provision. If an illegal entrant is due a drivers license, why not a concealed weapon permit, as well?).
Caveat Emptor. Concealed Carry Permits in Arizona are $60.00 initially and renewals are $43.00. You probably will have to take a course in applicable laws and gun safety (a good thing), but according to who gives it and administers the test, the process can be comparatively costly. I came across a non-governmental firm that claims to do the whole process online for the cost of a small car. No matter where you live, I suggest that your friendly, neighborhood firearms dealer/indoor range would be the best source for information on the process.
Yes, of course criminals will easily avoid this whole process.
However, I had a First Sergeant who gave me this order more than once: "Don't just stand there Richardson. Do something!"
-Phil Richardson, Observer and Storyteller
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