More people carrying handguns into Kentucky Capitol

[jpak]

http://www.courierpress.com/news/2011/apr/09/more-people-carrying-handguns-kentucky-capitol/

Kentucky has seen a surge in people carrying guns into the Capitol, a legal activity here and in at least 10 other states, but one that is worrisome to critics.

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Gun rights proponents consider it no big deal that people can stroll through the Capitol armed. But critics believe they should have to leave their weapons at home.

"The Capitol should be a safe place, where legislators can perform their responsibility as representatives of the democracy, to debate issues with openness and honesty and without fear," said Democratic state Rep. Jim Wayne of Louisville. "When we have people carrying guns into the Capitol, I think that's a threat to legislators. It's a very dangerous situation. We're debating very volatile issues sometimes. People who have mental illnesses or people whose minds are twisted through substances could be in the gallery, and we could be at risk."

<snip>

State Rep. Sal Santoro, R- (edit: moran) Florence, said most Kentucky lawmakers favor allowing people to carry guns into the Capitol, saying the constitutional right to bear arms should especially apply in the state's center of government.

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[armueller2001]

1. Hasn't shown to be a problem.

Why take away rights based on NOTHING HAPPENING?

[NewMoonTherian]

2. When you post stories like this...

wherein no one has been harmed as a result of increased concealed carry, you're hurting your own case. The quote from Jim Wayne, which you seem to point to as support for your side of the argument, just makes him appear unreasonable and paranoid.

[aikoaiko]

3. If this is the collective will of the legislators then so be it.

I am more sympathetic to so-called gun free zones when everyone is screened with metal detectors before entering and armed security is provided. But even in those circumstances it is not required to ban legal concealed carry.

[DonP]

4. ... and nothing has happened

But it's easy to see you are really sound hopeful for a tragedy. Otherwise why make a post about something that didn't happen. More people are legally carrying, nothing has happened and a handful legislators are anxious. If it was more than ahandful they'd probably do something about it.

[Logical]

5. Let's readdress if it becomes an issue. Otherwise carry on! n-t

[one-eyed fat man]

6. The governor has no problem.

A couple of dweebs from Louisville and Lexington are all a-flutter with palpitations and the vapors, but most of the legislature and the governor don't have a problem.

Beshear Not Concerned About Capitol Gun Policy

Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear sees no reason to change the current “open carry” policy for handguns at the State Capitol. Beshear says he feels comfortable and safe in the building. But even if he wanted to alter the policy, Beshear says he doesn’t have the authority.

“Gov. Patton did issue an executive order at one point I think banning weapons in the capitol. And that’s what caused the laws to arrive at where they are today and that is, the legislature is in control of that issue, and not the governor,” he said.

Some places have settled this question,and NOT to your liking. Absent some aggravating circumstance, simply wearing a sidearm, openly, is not a breach of the peace. In fact our Court of Appeals would really have your backwoods knickers in a twist with this ruling.

Holland v. Commonwealth, 1956

"In our state the legislature is empowered only to deny to citizens the right to carry concealed weapons. The constitutional provision is an affirmation of the faith that all men have the inherent right to arm themselves for the defense of themselves and of the state. The only limitation concerns the mode of carrying such instruments. We observe, via obiter dicta, that although a person is granted the right to carry a weapon openly, a severe penalty is imposed for carrying it concealed. If the gun is worn outside the jacket or shirt in full view, no one may question the wearer’s right so to do."

It's not a problem here, it hasn't been a problem here. If it's causing you to lose sleep at night up there in Maine posting this stuff, all the more reason the to remind you that "open carry" is a right guaranteed by the Kentucky Constitution.

[LibertyFox]

7. As a Kentuckian myself...

:fistbump:

Good on ya, Steve.

[GreenStormCloud]

8. Texans do it. Hasn't been a problem there. N/T