CCW lists Exposed!

[learn2shoot]

Over the last few months/years I have seen a number of reporters who have taken it upon themselves to "expose" CCW holders. Most people here have similiar thoughts that this puts gun owners (including cops and victims) at risk.

I have a plan... This plan includes starting a website devoted to leaking the personal information of reporters who publish lists either in print or on-line. It would be wrong of me not to allow a reporter to have their information removable. If a reporter published an apology, admit it was wrong(and why) and remove the offending information the reporter's information would be removed as well.


Before I do this I wanted to get some feedback and thoughts from others... Also a possible domain name...

Thanks
Bill

 

[Beatnik]

Here in Virginia, the VCDL has done this twice in the last year:
once after an OP-ED in the Roanoke Times, and once when the Fredericksburg Freelance-Star refused to stop publishing new permits.

In the Roanoke case, the names were pulled because so many people wrote in saying there may be legal repercussions. In the aftermath of posting his name & address, the writer didn't so much see the error of his ways as much as he was frightened that so many "gun nuts" had his information now.

In the Fredericksburg case, I think it was the Editor in Chief whose name and address were exposed. The names were pulled, but again, I'm not sure if the irony was really detected.

The high road is that just because you can do a thing, doesn't mean you should. In both of these examples, these toadies responded to a weapon, but they didn't see the higher truth here. All they knew is that a bunch of gun nuts were publishing their names and addresses.

If your goal is to get the CCW lists removed, I'd say it would be effective. If you want them to publish retractions, well, I don't think that's going to happen. They're not even connecting the dots to see that you're only doing to them exactly what they did to you.

 

[Beatnik]

(Just noticed that you're up the road, so you probably know all about these examples....)

 

[learn2shoot]

Additional

I was aware of those, but I want to make future reporters think twice before publishing similiar lists.

In addition to reporter information... The website would have personal stroies about people who had negative outcomes come from these printed lists. Such as a retired cop who had an old collar show up at his door. These would provide real world examples that criminals using these lists are not just conjecture.

Also it would include lists of pending legislation in various states. The information stated above would be evidence for changing laws in states.

As this is open for discussion please let me know if you have any other ideas. The more I think about this the more it seems like it can be used for good. My goal is not just to be vindictive.

 

[willbrink]

Sounds like a great idea to me. I would speak to an attorney and make sure you are legally covered, but I can see how such a site, if done correctly, would be a powerful tool. Good luck there and keep us posted.

 

[Carl N. Brown]

This issue heeps coming up. A few years back a local
columnist opined that people needed to know who
might be legally packing and could not understand why
I did not care to know or have that info published
(it's the people packing without carry permits you
need to worry about----jeeez).

Anywho or anyhow, people who get permits to carry are
often responding to a credible death threat and have often
moved or relocated due to that threat: publishing their
names and location only benefits their stalker or ex-abuser.

Plus, some anti-gun people have a totally irrational reaction
to guns: one anti-gun activist called for employers to refuse
to hire any job applicant who was on a carry permit list.

This is an on-going problem and these ussues need to be repeated.

 

[Cannonball888]

Florida AKA the Gunshine State offers you the option that CCW info may not be accessible to the public. Unfortunately I may be moving to VA.

 

[bruss01]

One tactic might be to accuse these "journalists" of putting guns into the hands of criminals...

Journalist puts name and address of CCW holder (presumably the owner of one or more guns) in the paper.

CCW holder goes to work, leaving one or more guns at home and the house empty.

Criminal, informed by journalist that a gun owner lives at the address, shows up, makes sure coast is clear, enters residence and proceeds to arm himself using the homeowner's firearms.

Criminal returns to the street, now ARMED due to the indicretion of the aforementioned "journalist". The journalist is responsible for putting guns out on the street by telling the criminal where to go and get them.

 

[Eyesac]

Sounds great to me! You better get some legal advice first, but I like it!

 

[News Shooter]

If you look over in the legal and political section

www.buckeyefirearms.org is doing exactly that

 

[learn2shoot]

Ok assuming I do this I still need a catchy domain name...

www.CCW-Privacy.com
www.concealedmeansconcealed.com
www.dangerousjournalism.com

I am not happy with any of these... and am still open to suggestions or criticism. Also what are some reasons NOT to do this? Just because I can does not mean I should, before I start this an incur legal expenses asking about this.

 

[usp9]

In the Fredericksburg case, I think it was the Editor in Chief whose name and address were exposed. The names were pulled, but again, I'm not sure if the irony was really detected.

The Free Lance Star in Fredericksburg continues to print the names of new CHL holders, as they did just this past week. I sent a letter to the editor requesting they stop, but I expect no response or publication. Virginians need to get the law changed to prevent this.

 

[BBQJOE]

You might have to visit the reporters homes and list type of car, and what kinds of toys he may have.
Also take a peek through some windows and list televisions, their size, sound systems any anything else of value you might see.

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

Ok assuming I do this I still need a catchy domain name...

How about "www.JournalistsHomeAddresses.com"

I'm disturbed that the list is given to these "journalists". Could they also call up the ATF and request a complete list of NFA stamp collectors?
There needs to be punishment for that level of stupidity and irresponsibility.

 

[Alphazulu6]

The right to publish the list is not illegal. I think that the context or the malicious intent by these reporters is questionable and probably good for a lawsuit

NO ONE IS ABOVE A GOOD ASS WHOOPING!

 

[Beatnik]

I thought it was going back-and-forth, last I heard the Freelance-Star had stopped... I guess they started up again. I'm going to have to respectfully disagree - any time someone says "there outta be a law" I cringe a little. I say, let's see what a website does, first.

Unfortunately I may be moving to VA.

It's not that bad here! Not only are we free of hurricanes and forest fires, but we're the last relatively pro-2nd state before you hit NH and VT. It's a battleground, and we need like-minded voters here!

 

[Wayne G.]

Great idea. I think the website may level the playing field. How 'bout www.anonymousccw.com or something of the like.

 

[usp9]

I thought it was going back-and-forth, last I heard the Freelance-Star had stopped... I guess they started up again. I'm going to have to respectfully disagree - any time someone says "there outta be a law" I cringe a little. I say, let's see what a website does, first.

Beatnik,
The problem is there already is a law. That law says this information is public and publishable. Without my permission,my name and address were published. I simply want that law changed to protect the confidentiality of my acquiring a Concealed Handgun Permit. It is not news, nor is it anyone's business.

I've contacted both of my State reps to let them know my opinion on this matter. It is a start. Mark L. Cole is usually responsive and active. John H. Chichester is usually useless.