Kansas Starts Hearings on Concealed Carry Bill

[jhfenton]

I love the first quoted question from Rep. Harold Lane (D-Topeka). :)

Go Kansas!

http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/news/legislature/7985397.htm

Concealed-gun foes testify in House

BY STEVE PAINTER

Eagle Topeka bureau


TOPEKA - Being first isn't always best, Wichita lawyer Kelly Johnston found Wednesday.

As chairman of Safe State Kansas, he was the first to testify against a bill to allow Kansans to carry concealed weapons -- before a committee that heavily favors the measure.

"How many Kansans must die before you decide they have the right to defend themselves?" asked Rep. Harold Lane, D-Topeka.

"Isn't self-defense different than vigilantism?" asked Rep. Arlen Siegfreid, R- Olathe.

Johnston took the grilling in stride for almost 45 minutes as the House Federal and State Affairs Committee conducted the first of two hearings on the measure.

(More)

[MrSandman]

1. As opposed to commoners

"The bill is expected to easily pass the House and stands a good chance in the Senate. Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has said she supports allowing only retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed guns, but has stopped short of saying she would veto the bill."

[jhfenton]

2. The lives of retired LEOs are worth much more...

than the lives of us commoners.

The bias is based on this ignorant belief that being a police officer imparts some magic power with firearms and self-defense techniques. The reality is that many "civilians" have extensive training and shoot far more often than most LEOs, including defensive pistol competitions with realistic scenarios.

[alwynsw]

4. I'll not restate your thoughts, but will add this:

Does she truly think that Barney Fife needs to have greater access to CCW than Helen Crump? Let's face it, unless Kansas has a magic pill, smaller counties suffer the same lot there as the in rest of the country. A few deputy slots go to friends, relatives, and supporters that have no moe business in LO than I do on a fashion runway. That practice will continue so long as any department head is an elected official. Yes, I do believe that sheriffs need to be elected.

Great tag line, jh.

[Baclava]

5. This is probably quite true...

I have several friends going through cop school...they have classes every week firing a variety of firearms and were surprised, and laughing at how badly some of their fellow classmates were shooting...from 25ft. They said the range was shot up pretty bad, holes through the roof etc...

BTW - they are all ex-military

[MrSandman]

7. More magical police powers...

"<>
Lakewood police arrested the deputy, Jamie Bonnette, 29, who was charged with public intoxication, aggravated menacing and using a weapon while intoxicated, all misdemeanors.
<>"

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1077366616288810.xml

I would feel so much better if I lived in a state which only allowed the police to carry weapons.<sarcasm off>

[jhfenton]

3. Second Day of Hearings

There was a very short mention of the second of day hearings, this time offering proponent testimony. Do you notice that in KS it is Dems pushing the bill. Rep. Candy Ruff (D-Leavenworth) is the biggest proponent of the bill. She's been hitting the media hard for months on the bill.

http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/news/legislature/7996561.htm

[MrSandman]

6. I will say it again...

It is not a partisan issue...it has to with culture/core beliefs