Jo-Ann's stores maintain posting against guns

Jo-Ann's is continuing to post their stores. For further information read my Examiner column HERE. Then make your shopping decision.

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Disclaimer: The information and ideas presented in this column are provided for informational purposes only. Gun rights, like all other Constitutionally recognized rights, must be exercised responsibly. Firearms, like cars, kitchen knives and life itself all can be dangerous. You should get professional training as part of any plan to use firearms for any purpose. I have made a reasonable, good-faith effort to assure that the content of this column is accurate. I have no control over what you do, and specifically accept no responsibility for anything you do as a result of reading my columns. Any action or lack of action on your part is strictly your responsibility.

Tennessee permits good in Wisconsin November 1 - Knoxville gun rights | Examiner.com

Heading North next month. Wisconsin welcomes your Tennessee handgun carry permit, as I report in my Examiner column here: Tennessee permits good in Wisconsin November 1 - Knoxville gun rights | Examiner.com

But how will you get through Chicago legally?

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Disclaimer: The information and ideas presented in this column are provided for informational purposes only. Gun rights, like all other Constitutionally recognized rights, must be exercised responsibly. Firearms, like cars, kitchen knives and life itself all can be dangerous. You should get professional training as part of any plan to use firearms for any purpose. I have made a reasonable, good-faith effort to assure that the content of this column is accurate. I have no control over what you do, and specifically accept no responsibility for anything you do as a result of reading my columns. Any action or lack of action on your part is strictly your responsibility.

Poster boy for gun controllers

See my Examiner article HERE.

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Disclaimer: The information and ideas presented in this column are provided for informational purposes only. Gun rights, like all other Constitutionally recognized rights, must be exercised responsibly. Firearms, like cars, kitchen knives and life itself all can be dangerous. You should get professional training as part of any plan to use firearms for any purpose. I have made a reasonable, good-faith effort to assure that the content of this column is accurate. I have no control over what you do, and specifically accept no responsibility for anything you do as a result of reading my columns. Any action or lack of action on your part is strictly your responsibility.

Tennessee 6th senatorial district race - final days

News reports indicate that early voting turnout has been poor. Once again, a lethargic electorate is on the verge of letting other people control the legislative process, leaving only themselves to blame. . .
 
This election could very well turn on which candidate can mobilize their base the best  - - and the best may not have to be all that good.

The Knoxville News-Sentinel reported today on some issues they surveyed the candidates on. I will touch on one, the 'guns on campus' question.

A bill before the legislature would allow citizens (specifically campus employees) with carry permits to carry handguns on college campuses.

Their responses to the News Sentinel Survey go like this,

DeFreese said she supports that. Roddy and Massey said they favor letting administrators of each campus decide the rules.

 These survey answers point to major differences among the candidates. Roddy and Massey, understanding that left-leaning college administrators are unlikely to authorize campus carry at all, indicate support for the status quo disarming of victims.

Defreese's response indicates that she understands what fundamental rights are all about.

At a recent Examiner column, I noted DeFreese's responses to a gun rights questionnaire, and the other candidates's failure to respond.

I noted in that column that Roddy favors disarming women in some locations such as parks, and now we know she includes college campuses.

Massey's web site indicates support for the Second Amendment in the home. Her response to the News-Sentinel question indicates she also favors disarming adult voters on college campuses. The question is, where does she stand on right to carry in other venues?

A recent look at campaign disclosures showed Massey and Roddy way ahead on fund  raising. It seems like DeFreese's best chance of winning this race is mobilization of her supporters.

With such a low turnout in early voting, if voters will look for the candidate with core beliefs; who supports the right to life of unborn children; who supports the right to personal defense; the answer becomes clear.

DeFreese is the only choice!

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Disclaimer: The information and ideas presented in this column are provided for informational purposes only. Gun rights, like all other Constitutionally recognized rights, must be exercised responsibly. Firearms, like cars, kitchen knives and life itself all can be dangerous. You should get professional training as part of any plan to use firearms for any purpose. I have made a reasonable, good-faith effort to assure that the content of this column is accurate. I have no control over what you do, and specifically accept no responsibility for anything you do as a result of reading my columns. Any action or lack of action on your part is strictly your responsibility.

National reciprocity

A good thing. See my post at Examiner.

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Disclaimer: The information and ideas presented in this column are provided for informational purposes only. Gun rights, like all other Constitutionally recognized rights, must be exercised responsibly. Firearms, like cars, kitchen knives and life itself all can be dangerous. You should get professional training as part of any plan to use firearms for any purpose. I have made a reasonable, good-faith effort to assure that the content of this column is accurate. I have no control over what you do, and specifically accept no responsibility for anything you do as a result of reading my columns. Any action or lack of action on your part is strictly your responsibility.

Dangerous idea

When I first saw these holsters for sale, I wrote they were a bad idea. Maybe they are not selling too well, since they are on sale now.

Note to Wayne. Please have the folks at NRA Store just put those holsters in the dumpster. These things pose too great a danger to lawfully armed citizens who innocently come into contact with the police.

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Disclaimer: The information and ideas presented in this column are provided for informational purposes only. Gun rights, like all other Constitutionally recognized rights, must be exercised responsibly. Firearms, like cars, kitchen knives and life itself all can be dangerous. You should get professional training as part of any plan to use firearms for any purpose. I have made a reasonable, good-faith effort to assure that the content of this column is accurate. I have no control over what you do, and specifically accept no responsibility for anything you do as a result of reading my columns. Any action or lack of action on your part is strictly your responsibility.

Mast General Store vs self defense

The Mast General Store has posted their stores against lawful gun owners, and even suggests you leave your guns at home. For the complete story, see my post at Examiner.

What do you think about this?

UPDATE:  Policy changed? See later post.

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Disclaimer: The information and ideas presented in this column are provided for informational purposes only. Gun rights, like all other Constitutionally recognized rights, must be exercised responsibly. Firearms, like cars, kitchen knives and life itself all can be dangerous. You should get professional training as part of any plan to use firearms for any purpose. I have made a reasonable, good-faith effort to assure that the content of this column is accurate. I have no control over what you do, and specifically accept no responsibility for anything you do as a result of reading my columns. Any action or lack of action on your part is strictly your responsibility.

Tennesse 6th Senate District candidate Victoria DeFreese

Victoria DeFreese has provided the following answers to the gun rights questionnaire*. The same questions have been provided to her opponents, but they have not yet responded.

July 27, 2011

1. Do you believe that the Constitution is the "supreme law of the land" and that the Bill of Rights acknowledges our birthrights?

I believe that the Bill of Rights clarified natural rights of man that are God-given ~ life, liberty, pursuit of happiness and property.  I do believe that the US Constitution is the "supreme law of the land."  I also believe that the 10th amendment was ratified to explain the limits of the federal government:  "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."

2. If so, should these rights be proactively protected from infringement by all levels of government, including city, county and state?

I believe that the powers of the federal government should be limited.  I believe any infringement on our Bill of Rights should be proactively protected by and from all levels of government.

3. Please give some examples of gun laws you consider constitutional.

Most gun laws that are restrictions on gun carry or ownership I do not support. I think  any restriction on a non felons from gun carry or ownership in about any situation  is a bad law and unconstitutional. I guess I would go with gun crime laws such as armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon and such would be constitutional gun laws.

4. Please give some examples of gun laws you consider unconstitutional.

Bans on public land (outside of courtrooms) from right to carry.  

5. Does the right to bear arms include the right for any peaceable citizen to carry them concealed without a permit, as in Vermont?

Gun rights policy conference coming soon

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Disclaimer: The information and ideas presented in this column are provided for informational purposes only. Gun rights, like all other Constitutionally recognized rights, must be exercised responsibly. Firearms, like cars, kitchen knives and life itself all can be dangerous. You should get professional training as part of any plan to use firearms for any purpose. I have made a reasonable, good-faith effort to assure that the content of this column is accurate. I have no control over what you do, and specifically accept no responsibility for anything you do as a result of reading my columns. Any action or lack of action on your part is strictly your responsibility.

Do as I say, not as I do

Let's revisit the recent 'campus carry' bill that was shot down (pardon the pun) in the 2011 Tennessee legislative session.

The bill would have allowed lawful handgun carriers who are employees of state colleges and universities to carry their handguns on campus.

As I mentioned in my previous post, there was a great brouhaha over this legislation, but one hoplophobic professor made a good point, that the legislature is posted against all weapons. His question was essentially, why would the legislature legalize carry on campuses, while prohibiting the same in the legislature?

This has the ring of "do as I say, not as I do," something we have become all too accustomed to hearing from our  government at all levels nationwide.

Its time for the legislature to legalize carry where they work, too, don't you think?

Dumas, part deux - on weapons

"In every country where independence has taken the place of liberty, the first desire of a manly heart is to possess a weapon which at once renders him capable of defence or attack, and, by rendering its owner fearsome, makes him feared."
- from The Count of Monte Cristo

Alexandre Dumas, pere, understood

why many of us carry personal arms. In The Count of Monte Cristo, one of the characters puts it this way:

“Unfortunately, madame,” answered Villefort, “the strong arm of the law is not called upon to interfere until the evil has taken place"

Note to all gun free zone advocates. This was true in 1844, is true today, and will be true as long as this earth continues. . .

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Disclaimer: The information and ideas presented in this column are provided for informational purposes only. Gun rights, like all other Constitutionally recognized rights, must be exercised responsibly. Firearms, like cars, kitchen knives and life itself all can be dangerous. You should get professional training as part of any plan to use firearms for any purpose. I have made a reasonable, good-faith effort to assure that the content of this column is accurate. I have no control over what you do, and specifically accept no responsibility for anything you do as a result of reading my columns. Any action or lack of action on your part is strictly your responsibility.

Gun control explained

"Sometimes you have to die for something I believe in."

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Disclaimer: The information and ideas presented in this column are provided for informational purposes only. Gun rights, like all other Constitutionally recognized rights, must be exercised responsibly. Firearms, like cars, kitchen knives and life itself all can be dangerous. You should get professional training as part of any plan to use firearms for any purpose. I have made a reasonable, good-faith effort to assure that the content of this column is accurate. I have no control over what you do, and specifically accept no responsibility for anything you do as a result of reading my columns. Any action or lack of action on your part is strictly your responsibility.

Tennessee carry bill follows Vermont law

UPDATE: This bill is DOA this year.

Senator Stacey Campfield recently introduced SB 397 in the Tennessee General Assembly. Here is a breakdown of the bill and the sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated it modifies. There are a few of my added comments, but the bill sections, when associated with the relevant TCA sections, are rather clear. 

In a nutshell, Section 1 states that anyone not prohibited from purchasing a firearm may carry one (except as otherwise prohibited). Section 2 duplicates the historical Vermont statute, while eliminating the vague with intent to go armed section of current Tennessee law. Section 10 explicitly states that a permit is not required to carry a weapon in Tennessee. If a person can legally own a gun, he/she can legally carry it.

Governor Haslam has publicly stated, as reported in the News-Sentinel,

"If the Legislature passed it and brought that to me, I said I would sign it."

The time has come for gun owners to contact their legislators, get a companion bill in the House, and get this passed into law! 


The bill and related current law are 'mixed' below. Color coding has been added for help.

SENATE BILL 397  - - By  Campfield 

SECTION 1.  Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13, is amended by adding the following language as a new section thereto: 
39-17-1313.  Any resident of Tennessee who is a United States citizen or permanent lawful resident, as defined by § 55-50-102, who has reached twenty-one (21) years of age, and who is not prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm in this state pursuant to § 39-17-1316 or § 39-17-1307(b), 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), or any other state or federal law, may carry a firearm in this state except as otherwise prohibited by law.  


SECTION 2.  Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-17-1307, is amended by deleting subdivision (a)(1) in its entirety and by substituting instead the following:
39-17-1307. Unlawful carrying or possession of a weapon. —
(a)  (1)  A person commits an offense who carries with the intent to go armed a firearm, a knife with a blade length exceeding four inches (4²), or a club.
(a)(1) A person commits an offense who carries a weapon, openly or concealed, [with the intent or avowed purpose of injuring a fellow man.]  [bracketed text is identical to Vermont 13-1-85-4003]

TVA contacts needed

In an earlier post, I wrote about the fact that the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has held out against lawful carry of defensive firearms in certain TVA areas. This is in contrast to other Federal areas such as National Parks and Forests. (LINK)

Tennessee Firearms Association (TFA) member David Borum has been in contact with TVA, and here is a request from him:

Subj: TVA Firearm Presentation

I met with the TVA Senior Vice President over Recreation today and presented him with the TVA Petition that we all signed and gave a presentation on the carry permit and the people that have them.  I also included a presentation that showed TVA compared to all the other Public land managers in the State and their policy’s’.  The meeting went very well and they now have a better understanding of permit holders and program.  With your help, we are looking for a policy to change TVA’s rule to reflect the same policy of the National Park Service.  This will make federal lands and state lands more consistent across this state and other states TVA manages lands.   They could not give me any time lines but they do want input.  Right now the best thing to do is to go to the www.TVA.gov  website and find the contact page.    Once you are there briefly and POLITELY ask TVA to change their firearm rules on Firearm Carry Permit Holders to reflect the same policy as the National Park Service on TVA “undeveloped” AND “developed” lands that are open to the public. You do not have to be a Tennessee Resident to comment.

IMPORTANT:

Include your name, address, phone number, e-mail address, and ask them to “Please add your comments to the public record”. 

Thanks

David Borum

Please follow up on Borum's request, and contact TVA with your thoughts.

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Disclaimer: The information and ideas presented in this column are provided for informational purposes only. Gun rights, like all other Constitutionally recognized rights, must be exercised responsibly. Firearms, like cars, kitchen knives and life itself all can be dangerous. You should get professional training as part of any plan to use firearms for any purpose. I have made a reasonable, good-faith effort to assure that the content of this column is accurate. I have no control over what you do, and specifically accept no responsibility for anything you do as a result of reading my columns. Any action or lack of action on your part is strictly your responsibility.

Tennessee Governor's race, the final week

Last year, Bill Haslam met with the Knoxville Tennessee Firearms Assocation (TFA) group, and indicated he was in the learning mode. Many were skeptical, including this writer. He went on to recommend to the Knoxville City Council that they keep their 1962 parks ban in place. Indications were that he had not learned enough at that time.

More recently, however, Haslam has addressed the Nashville area TFA group, and his statements indicate he has learned. At that meeting, he indicated that he would sign a permit-less (Constitutional) carry bill if it was sent to him by the Legislature(video). And today's News-Sentinel story has him in favor of parking lot carry.

In contrast Mike McWherter, indicates his elitist disregard for the rights of Tennessee firearms owners. He thinks that we hillbillies can't be trusted to use good judgement, and therefore: 1) should not have had the restaurant carry bill passed this year, 2) surely can not be trusted with carrying a firearm until after we get our permission slip from the state, and 3) states his opposition to keeping a defensive firearm in a parking lot at one's place of employment. See his comments in the News-Sentinel links above.

Here's a quick look at the three issues I raise with McWherter - -

1. Restaurant carry: It is now law in Tennessee. No gunfights reported as a result. Lawful citizens are still good citizens, even when they are packin' heat.  Just like in the many other states where this has been law for years (handgunlaw.us).
2. Constitutional carry: Vermont has had this for decades. Alaska and Vermont now have it. And vehicle carry is legal in most states contiguous to Tennessee without a permit required (handgunlaw.us). Open carry (not concealed) on the person without a permit is lawful in five states contiguous to Tennessee(opencarry.org).
3. Parking lot carry: First, you must come to grips with the idea that a disgruntled employee will not be stopped or slowed down by a no guns policy in the building or the parking lot. Second, to prevent an employee from having the means to self-preservation available (under the guise of property rights) is unconscionable.

In conclusion, we can hope that Haslam has learned. And it is obvious that McWherter, in a typical leftist stance, opposes individual gun rights, and wants to keep as many impediments as possible limiting the right to keep and bear arms.

Vote Haslam!

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Disclaimer: The information and ideas presented in this column are provided for informational purposes only. Gun rights, like all other Constitutionally recognized rights, must be exercised responsibly. Firearms, like cars, kitchen knives and life itself all can be dangerous. You should get professional training as part of any plan to use firearms for any purpose. I have made a reasonable, good-faith effort to assure that the content of this column is accurate. I have no control over what you do, and specifically accept no responsibility for anything you do as a result of reading my columns. Any action or lack of action on your part is strictly your responsibility.

Wisconsin knife decision affirms Second Amendment

Last week, Circuit Court Judge Jon M. Counsell ruled that the Wisconsin statute that bans concealed carry of a weapon, sec. 941.23 -

...is unconstitutional on its face as overly broad in violation of the Second and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution.

This ruling was made in the case of a person arrested for having a knife under his shirt. The judge did not limit his decision to knives, but included firearms, as well. You can read the original PDF of the ruling HERE.

This is the second such thing to have come out of Wisconsin recently, the first being a decision by Wisconsin DA Gerald R Fox that he will not prosecute certain gun cases. You can read my previous column on that decision HERE.

Counsell states that people in Wisconsin

...are faced with a Hobson’s choice—go unarmed (thus not able to act in self defense), violate the law (and risk jail/fines) or (as some would argue) carry openly.

Of note to those of us in Tennessee, if you don't have a (costly) Handgun Carry Permit issued by or recognized by the State of Tennessee, you have one less choice than the Cheeseheads - go unarmed or violate the law. A Hobson's choice indeed!

Worthy of note is the fact that Open Carry (OC) is legal in Wisconsin, but citizens find themselves being prosecuted for disorderly conduct for doing so, as reported HERE.

Remember, the Second Amendment is not about duck hunting; and it is not just about guns.

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Disclaimer: The information and ideas presented in this column are provided for informational purposes only. Gun rights, like all other Constitutionally recognized rights, must be exercised responsibly. Firearms, like cars, kitchen knives and life itself all can be dangerous. You should get professional training as part of any plan to use firearms for any purpose. I have made a reasonable, good-faith effort to assure that the content of this column is accurate. I have no control over what you do, and specifically accept no responsibility for anything you do as a result of reading my columns. Any action or lack of action on your part is strictly your responsibility.