[Preacherman]

From the Fort Wayne Journal/Gazette (http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/8185327.htm):

Posted on Sun, Mar. 14, 2004

Why I have a gun permit

With some apprehension, I have contributed to the frightening increase in the number of Americans permitted to legally carry a gun.

Nearly four years ago, following a column I wrote, I received death threats that included disturbing references to my family and descriptions of my home and property. Not knowing where the threats would lead, and knowing that it takes at least a week to receive a gun permit, I decided to apply for one. Having the permit, I knew, would give me the option of carrying a gun should I decide it was necessary.

Not being very familiar with guns, and never having fired a handgun, one of the first steps I took was to go to a shooting range with a trusted friend who has deep knowledge of firearms and gun safety. I practiced with the handgun I was keeping. Like many people new to guns, I found target shooting to be enjoyable, and I took some satisfaction in my accuracy.

As it turns out, the drive to and from the target range was the only time I've used the gun permit.

As someone who has long been concerned about the proliferation of firearms, particularly handguns, I became a gun permit holder with reluctance.

On the other hand, the experience has provided insight into why people have weapons. The police are not 24-hour armed guards, and few of us can afford our own. Having a gun reduces one's sense of vulnerability. Indiana's constitution and state law expressly allow me to carry one for my protection. After having long rejected the idea, I have decided to at least have the option.

At the same time, there's just as good a chance - many would say greater - that the gun could be used against me or a loved one, or accidentally discharged. That's why keeping guns secure and safe must be of paramount importance to every gun owner.

Over the years, The Journal Gazette's editorial page has long called for strict control of guns and opposed state efforts to allow citizens to carry handguns in public. I agree with gun control. Having a gun permit, by definition, is gun control. Permit applicants are screened for prior criminal records and fingerprinted. I remain convinced that secondhand gun sales are a dangerous source of weapons for criminals and that Indiana's failure to apply Brady law gun sale restrictions at gun shows is ludicrous.

But, right or wrong, states that have allowed citizens to carry guns will likely not withdraw that privilege. That's why, in recent years, many of our editorials have focused on gun safety, responsibility and control of gun sales.

I'm not particularly proud of being a gun permit holder, but I'm not ashamed of it, either. Sometimes you do what you have to do.

twarner@jg.net[/email].

[dtt]

No. He doesn't get it at all. Phrases like "frightening increase in the number of Americans permitted to legally carry a gun" show that this guy is still a gun-grabber at heart. He's just a gun-grabber who nearly got it.

[Bruce H]

There is nothing more dangerous than a person with an agenda that controls a printing press. The editor wants things both ways. If the legislature were to pass legislation saying only news people were allowed to carry he would celebrate the fact.

[Guntalk]

Best quote from this editorial:

"Having a gun reduces one's sense of vulnerability."

It is called self-reliance.

[Mark Tyson]

Hey at least it's progress.

Not being very familiar with guns, and never having fired a handgun, one of the first steps I took was to go to a shooting range with a trusted friend who has deep knowledge of firearms and gun safety. I practiced with the handgun I was keeping. Like many people new to guns, I found target shooting to be enjoyable, and I took some satisfaction in my accuracy.

You see? He'll come over to our side. Give him time.

[ksnecktieman]

I do not think he understands. He now has his permit to carry a pistol. that is a permit for a guaranteed right.

I think we should ask him about his permit for his printing press:D . Freedom of speech, and the press is a guaranteed right too, right? Guaranteed in the same place his right to keep and bear arms is?

I wonder if that would help him to understand ?

[Sergeant Bob]

I do not think he understands. He now has his permit to carry a pistol. that is a permit for a guaranteed right.

I think we should ask him about his permit for his printing press . Freedom of speech, and the press is a guaranteed right too, right? Guaranteed in the same place his right to keep and bear arms is?

I wonder if that would help him to understand ?
I doubt it would convince him. Heck, you'd have a real hard time getting alot of the so-called freedom lovers on this very board to understand either point.

[Standing Wolf]

As it turns out, the drive to and from the target range was the only time I've used the gun permit.

Wasted his time, effort, and money. What good does a spare tire do on a rack in the garage?

[Highland Ranger]

Driver's license is a privilege. RKBA is a right. An inalienable one (see Constitution.)

I submit that he doesn't get it at all and like so many liberals, as long as he has his, then restrictions for you are only prudent.

And if he could afford armed guards, he would have written a different column.

[Unisaw]

Having a gun reduces one's sense of vulnerability.

No, it doesn't reduce one's sense (i.e., FEELING) of vulnerability, it reduces one's actual vulnerability.

[Sergeant Bob]

Driver's license is a privledge. RKBA is a right. An inalienable one (see Constitution.)
In actuality, the author is correct. CCW is a privilege (by law).
You must apply, be approved, and pay a fee to get a permit , which can be revoked at any time by the government (much like a driver's license). So, in the context in which he stated it (and in real life), he is correct.

priv·i·lege ( P ) Pronunciation Key (prv-lj, prvlj)
n.

1.
a. A special advantage, immunity, permission, right, or benefit granted to or enjoyed by an individual, class, or caste. See Synonyms at right.
b. Such an advantage, immunity, or right held as a prerogative of status or rank, and exercised to the exclusion or detriment of others.

[Captain Bligh]

Now the sister paper, The Fort Wayne News Sentinel is running a poll as to whether they should publish the names and addresses of 14,000 handgun permit holders in Allen County, IN. In yesterday's paper the outed some prominent people that are permit holders.

It doesn't seem overly bright to list the address where 14,000+ guns are stored in your county--a thieves delight.

RJ

[Waitone]

The article's author needs to spend time both at the range and on a therapist's couch. The clown has some deep seated cockpit problems.

In my quick scanning I picked up on self-loathing and cognitive dissonance. His excuse for gaining a permit was protection of family members yet clearly indicates he // she does not have it available for use.

The author is wedded to an ideology which can not stand up to reality yet he // she refuses to modify the belief system.

To which I say, "Life is a bitch. Make a choice. Protect your family and yourself or hold to your unrealistic ideology. Just make a decision and go with it." Don't bother me and others with your angst.

[garrettwc]

I agree with gun control. Having a gun permit, by definition, is gun control.

Well he did get one thing right.

Vermont style carry anyone?

[Strings]

Why am I reminded of the sociology professor a frioend had, who told the class "I'm an avowed socialist. And yes, I understand that I'm rooting for a dead horse"... :rolleyes:

[Andrew Rothman]

Then there's this old chestnut.

At the same time, there's just as good a chance - many would say greater - that the gun could be used against me or a loved one, or accidentally discharged.

[patent]

In yesterday's paper the outed some prominent people that are permit holders.

That's what I was wondering. As I read this column it sounded like a guilty liberal gungrabber who was afraid he was going to get outed as having a CCW, and be lambasted as the hypocrite he is. I can imagine the websites now, a picture of him with a gun pasted in, right next to quotes from his worst editorials.

I don't know if he is in the same county that the other newspaper was going to run the list on, and thus if this was his fear, but I'd bet that the main reason for this column is a fear of being outed before he admited it.

Just leak it yourself ahead of time as damage control. Disgusting. He's still a gun grabber who owns guns.

patent

[Sergeant Bob]

I don't know if he is in the same county that the other newspaper was going to run the list on, and thus if this was his fear, but I'd bet that the main reason for this column is a fear of being outed before he admited it.
That is correct. Ft. Wayne, Allen County.
It's my bet you're right.