Fascinating Website

In my travels, I come across many strange and unusual things. Recently, I stumbled upon a website called "Guns and alcohol don't mix." While I agree with the statement, the website itself seems to be a liberal attempt to get back at the State of Tennessee for passing House Bill 0962, allowing for carry permit holders to legally carry in establishments that serve alcohol, provided the carry permit holder does not drink.

While I will not link to this website, it is a .org entity and seems to have fallen dormant since July 14. However, on the front page, it lists some "facts." It is these talking points I would like to publicly denounce and answer on this blog:

Let me first state that the law in TN does not provide for HCP holders to consume alcohol while carrying. The fact is that guns and alcohol DO NOT MIX. However, the new law does not try to mix them!

"1. Bars can be sites of confrontation, and the last thing we need is ready access to firearms."
Usagi's answer:
Because bars can be sites of confrontation, legal carriers of firearms should be allowed to defend themselves and their loved ones.
Besides, this bill was not really about bars, it was about restaurants that serve alcohol.

"2. Fewer Guns Means Fewer Accidents."
Usagi's answer:
Show me any proof that handgun carry permit holders have more accidents per capita than the rest of the public. In fact, I'd like someone to try to prove that law enforcement officers have a lower accident rate (here's a hint - they don't!). So this argument does not work at all.

"3. When firearms are allowed, bars' and restaurants' liability insurance skyrockets, leading to higher prices for food and beverages."
Usagi's answer:
This has not been the case in the other 41 states that provide for the legal carrying of firearms in establishments that serve alcohol. The key contributing factor is this:
a) Legal carriers of firearms are not allowed by law to drink while in possession of the firearm.
b) The establishment may opt to have handguns banned as per TCA 39-17-1359.
As a marketing rep for an insurance company, this is something I know about.

"4. Misguided Lawmakers Make an Uninformed Decision."
Usagi's answer:
Even the liberal states of California and New York allow their concealed carry permit holders to carry in alcohol serving establishments, provided they do not drink. 42 states out of 48 that permit carrying of firearms by citizens have the same or similar laws. So our lawmakers were misguided by joining the majority? Give me a break!


So far, they only have 61 signatures on their website, and but 5900 friends on Facebook. I suppose there will always be that many ignorant people at any given time...