Should Concealed Guns Be Legal Everywhere?

(CBS)  In Washington you'd be hard-pressed to find an issue that generates as much emotion as gun control. And tomorrow the Senate votes on an amendment that would mean big changes for gun owners, reports CBS News correspondent Bob Orr.

The pro-gun amendment tacked on to a critical defense-funding bill would allow gun owners to carry concealed weapons across state lines.

Sponsors call it a crime-fighting tool.

"One of best ways to help prevent hate crimes against potential victims of hate crimes is to allow them to defend themselves," said Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., the amendment's author.

But, opponents, including 450 U.S. mayors who signed a full-page add in USA Today, say the bill, if passed, will put police and citizens in greater danger.

"This is about as anti-police, pro-gun trafficker piece of legislation that has ever come before the United States Senate," said New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

And opponents note the timing is terrible. Violent crime is plunging, with big-city murders nearing 30-year lows.

"It could reverse the dramatic success we've had in reducing crime in most parts of America," said Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.

Under the new law, gun buyers could obtain for permits in states with weak regulations and then carry the weapons, unchecked, virtually anywhere.

But the National Rifle Association argues the right of self-defense should not stop at the state line, a point that resonates with conservatives and Democrats from pro-gun states.

Opponents are still trying to find a way to kill the gun measure without putting defense funding in jeopardy. But, the Senate's top Democrat says he's ready to pass it when the roll is called tomorrow.

[Col. Angus]

As has been stated, law abiding citizens already follow the law. Gun trafficking is done by criminals, and does need to be stopped. I, as a US citizen have the right to own a gun. I have the right to obtain a permit to carry a gun. I have had hours of classroom training to operate a gun. Yet some folks think I am unsafe with a gun?

All of the folks in this country with DUI's have never, ever taken a course on how to operate a motor vehicle under the influence. They are allowed to drive anywhere at any time and im most cases have obtained multiple DUI cittations before their license has ever been removed.....funny huh? Also funny, the Brady campaign supplies the statitics for the gun-crime in the state by state map, and that is from 2002. If you wanted accurate information, why did you not use an unbiased source for such information? Very poor reporting and information gathering.

[John_Merritt]

Should Concealed Guns Be Legal Everywhere? No.

[smoknmirrors]

It doesn't bother me in the least if Jesse and Al wander around the country with loaded weapons. Their judgment has usually proven to be pretty good. Even if they aren't always calm, cool and collected all the time, there would only be a small percentage of people endangered at any one time, and they would be mostly white. I can't think of anything more re-affirming of the great American quilt than having New York and New Jersey and Chicago boys visiting the Grand Canyon, hitting the hooch and protecting American womanhood from one another. I can just see the Black Panthers reaction to the legalizing of gun transport across state lines. Then there are the skin heads, the neo Nazis and the Survivalists, the KKK and the John Birchers, and every person who ever wanted to be Tim McVeigh running around loose with legal permits to move explosives across state lines! I can't think of anyone to better represent us than Jim Inhofe and Tom Coburn on this matter, and I'd appreciate it if no one mentions the 10th Amendment anymore.

[erasmus111]

Someone said that crime was at a 30 year low. I find that very hard to believe. Like who said that? The NRA? The amount of massive shootings that were happening everyday, and still happening, is mind boggling.

If everyone is allowed to carry a concealed firearm, then you can count on things becoming much worse.

[gunownerdan]

People who are not allowed to carry guns still carry them anyway so the only thing that will change by allowing more law-abiding people to carry them is more people will be capable of protecting themselves and others.

[erasmus111]

No, what it means is that more people (lunatics included) will have access to guns to shoot other people.

[erasmus111]

by gunownerdan July 22, 2009 9:47 AM EDT
I WILL ALWAYS have the means to protect myself and those around me REGARDLESS of any laws.
Self defense is the most important human right.


You wouldn't have to protect yourself if every freakin' Tom, ******** and Harry didn't have a gun!

[erasmus111]

********* = D ickhead

[erasmus111]

I know, rheola, "richard cranium" sounds better, but this makes me FEEL better. : )

[revlin1]

OK, from the beginning...citizens have a right to arm themselves. End of Story. Yes, our concealed gun permits should allow us to carry weapons anywhere in our home country...duh!

[gripperdon]

WHY not? You don't know who has one or not now.
Before all the idealistic replys the answer is yes !

[cclrel]

With all due respect, anyone who asserts only rednecks own guns is uninformed. Responsible gun ownership involves both genders, crosses many geographical locations, religious preferences, ethnicity and financial status. The 'father' of our nation, George washington said; "A free people ought....to be armed..." There are many such quotes from the founding fathers of our nation - which knew in order for a people to continue to be free they must retain the right to defend themselves.
Trust me, I understand there are hoards of irresponsible gun owners...many of them probably obtained their guns illegally. Because of them, responsible gun owners suffer. More gun control will not stop criminals from committing crime. However more gun freedom, such as the right to carry a concealed gun across state lines WHEN THE GUN OWNER HAS A CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT, will help control violence.
Every 22 seconds a violent crime is committed in the U.S. It is proven the presence/presentation of a firearm by the intended victim (they don't even have to fire it) prevents crime. Criminals want an easy target, those of us who have a CCW understand the responsibility associated with gun ownership and the restraint that must be exercised when carrying.
I do not intend to be a willing victim or easy target...I have consciously made the decision I would rather die defending myself than to be tortured, raped, etc defenseless.
Gun ownership is protected under the 2nd Amendment. Should the government actually take away THIS right - which one will they next attack? Have you given that any thought?

[borg99]

Since the feds have jurisdiction over anything that's interstate, it seems as if a fedral law of this sort would be valid. But it will open a can of worms, because state laws governing handguns tend to be very different. So a permit holder from one state would have to be aware of any important differences -- i.e., can you carry in a place where liquor is served, or on school grounds, etc.

Right now, the only websites I've seen that address the details of state handgun laws are non-governmental -- in other words, not official. The feds would have to establish an authoritative website -- and keep it up to date -- or otherwise permit holders are going to be getting into hot water in other states and it's going to be a big problem.

[netadmin1-2009]

You assume everyone that has a chl(concealed handgun license) is stupid - the only reason they carry is for protection - you can say what you want to me - unless you pull out a gun on me - you won't know I carry.

[dsp3972]

Amen