The Left Has Nothing But Fear

Without False Claims About The Risk Of Concealed Handgun Permit Holders, The Left Has Nothing claims John Lott at Townhall.com

New York is one of seven “May-Issue” states where officials can turn down carry permit requests for any reason (or no reason) at all. The Court is considering replacing this discretionary process with objective “Shall-Issue” rules. That way, people can get a permit as long as they reach a certain age, have no criminal background, pay the fees, and complete any required training.

Since 1976, 18 states eliminated “proper cause” requirements, and gun control advocates have consistently predicted disaster. But in state after state, concealed handgun permit holders have proved to be extremely law-abiding, and Right-to-Carry states have never even held a legislative hearing to consider moving back to “proper cause.”

Lott goes on to present statistics that show permit holders to be more law abiding than police officers. While that is good news, it still is a utilitarian arguement, and doesn't address the underlying principle. Whether or not permit holders we more law abiding than police, we would still have a right, a God given right at that, to defend ourselves with the most effective tool at hand. At this stage of technology, that would usually be a hand gun. In the future it may be 'phasers.' Who knows. I applaud the current case, and I look forward to the Srpreme Court's ruling. But technically, we should not need a permit to carry a gun anywhere, either open or concealed.