Education Continues

I met a lady today that had some reservations regarding the new carry in restaurants law. It was fascinating. As our conversation progressed, it became clear that although "she supported the right to have guns," she had only learned anything about them from the TV. This is sad, but I'm afraid it is how most of America learns most things.

One of her arguments: "Now criminals will make phony HCP cards and get into bars with them."

Where do I begin on this one?
1) An establishment of any sort may not demand to see your carry permit.
2) Establishments will not be asking for them anyways.
3) Criminals won't go through the trouble to create a fake card - they will just carry illegally.

The part about the establishments not being allowed to demand to see the permit to verify seemed to bother her the most.

Another argument she made: "This just gives more rights to the criminal."

Ugh. Too much TV. Uh, where to start? Oh, yeah...
1) This bill simply provided for another exception under TCA 39-17-1351 which deals with where one may and may not carry a firearm when carrying with a permit. Another place where permitted carry is authorized was defined by the bill.
PS - the look on her face when I cited the exact bill was, indeed classic!
2) Criminals are still prohibited from the purchase or ownership of firearms. This bill did not change that.


It was fascinating seeing her at the end state that she now understands more and would like to see the statistics after a few years. I think she still thinks crime will rise in alcohol serving establishments, but she at least stated she would review the statistics objectively.