Arizona - You've officially lost your mind - aka, AZ legalizes carrying concealed gun without a permit
Just your typical Saturday morning at my house. Drinking coffee, letting the little one run around and have fun and taking some time to catch up on news. So, no sooner had I settled into my couch when I read that Arizona's governor, Jan Brewer, signed into law a bill that legalizes carrying a concealed gun without a permit. It goes without saying that I spilled my coffee.
What the 
Are you kidding me?
Are you kidding me? Now, in the interest of full disclosure, I should note that I am a gun rights supporter. I own several legal weapons - both handguns & rifles. I grew up in a household where the ATF was a regular visitor due to my step father being a machine gun dealer. I was raised in Michigan to hunt each year and was trained early on by my grandfather how to shoot a weapon. I am a member of the American Rifle Association. And, to top it all off, I lived in Arizona for 19 years - just having moved to CA in mid 2009 for many reasons.
So, after reading my disclosure, there have to be a few people saying, "Heck, you should be happy since you're a big gun nut!".
Nope, that's not the case. And, here are 3 reasons why.
1. Guns require training - PERIOD. I grew up in a middle class household in Michigan where we spent our fall and winter months hunting deer, quail, rabbits - heck, you name it. As a child, I would watch the older men head out and return later in the day - always hoping for the day that my grandfather would take me with him. Well, that day came and I went into the woods and took my first shot - and, it scared the hell out of me. Suddenly, it didn't seem so fun and I was pretty sure I didn't want anything to do with it given the sound and the entire experience.
But, I stuck with it and later attended an Eddie Eagle (American Rifle Association's mascot) gun training class for kids (do these exist any longer?) where I learn all about gun safety. This wasn't just a one day or one week class. And, we didn't even handle weapons - this was all about classroom work and learning about how to respect the guns and the people around you.
So, flash forward a number of years, I found myself under the guidance of my stepfather who was a Sheriff and licensed machine gun dealer. This was another level of training that I had to go through. And, years later, as I qualified in police training scenarios (LONG TIME AGO - now, I'm a certified TECH GEEK) this training was instrumental in my handling of these dangerous instruments.
I cannot say enough about how important it is to have training. To just say that someone is 21 years old and that by this measurement, they are qualified to possess a weapon and now conceal it and carry it anywhere it beyond disturbing.
2. Arizona's economy = CRAP. Ok, this is one that has me baffled - I just left the state in mid 2009 because I watch the economy chew up businesses, houses and so many things that were in my life. It was tough to go through and after a recent visit it was very evident that AZ is still burdened by a terrible economy.
So, what do they do? With the stroke of a pen, they eliminate an entire business segment - the personnel and businesses that trained people to be qualified to carry a concealed weapon. An AP article noted that 154,000 people obtained their legal 'concealed weapons' permit by attending classes and training. These classes (based on my memory) were about $250 - $400 based on where you attended. So, based on the low end, this brought in $38,500,000 into the AZ economy over time.
Let me get this straight. Arizona, whose economy status comes in a close second to Detroit, thought that now was the time to stand up for the 2nd amendment. And, in doing so, they eliminated millions in revenue to businesses within the state and put untold numbers of people out of work. Call me crazy, but this doesn't sound like a smart move. What's the backup plan? Tax new bullet purchases by 200% since people are SURE to run out now to buy guns?
3. Law Enforcement Personnel = This makes their job X times more difficult. Let's be upfront - the police have never had it easy. Each time they go out on a call and/or pull over a car, there's always a chance they may have to pull their weapon. Well, this new law certainly doesn't make their lives any easier.
So, not only does the police officer have to worry about each scenario that they are confronted with - now, they have to wonder if each person they confront MAY be carrying a weapon. Now, that may be a bit dramatic, but now that there's no crime associated with carrying a gun (provided your not a felon), this exponentially makes their lives much more difficult.
And, that just what the police need Arizona - a much more difficult time doing their job.
Ok, that's my rant - I feel somewhat better that I got this off my chest. I'm sure a lot of people will have similar and contrary feelings - but, you would be hard pressed to counter these 3 points in a manner that could change my mind.
And, before somebody brings it up, I am quite aware that felons cannot own weapons and that background checks are still done when you buy a handgun. But, I would caution that stance. Just because your 21+ years of age and have a clean record DOES NOT MEAN you are qualified to carry a concealed weapon - 2nd amendment or not.
I'm signing off - and very happy that I'm no longer in Arizona.
