California lawmaker would outlaw 'open carry' gun right

[DaveM55]

http://www.topix.net/content/csm/201...arry-gun-right

A California lawmaker has stepped into a growing gun rights debate by introducing legislation that would essentially outlaw what's called the "open carry" of unloaded weapons on public property.

The measure, which was first introduced last month but is not expected to have its first hearing until April, is meant to address the growing "open carry" movement, in which some gun owners have taken to meeting in coffee shops, parks, and restaurants while wearing holstered weapons to raise awareness about gun rights.

"People should be free from the fear and the potential for violence firearms represent," said Democratic Assembly Member Lori Saldana of San Diego, in a statement. "These displays of firearms can create potentially dangerous situations."

IN PICTURES: States with the strictest gun laws

Assembly Member Saldana said she was compelled to introduce the bill to limit the open carry law in California, which is one of at least 38 states that allows the display of unconcealed weapons, following a gathering of some 60 armed open carry advocates at a southern California beach.

"People were understandably concerned," she said. "The police were called and the situation became frightening for the families simply enjoying a day at the beach."

In recent months, members of the grass-roots open carry movement have been turning up at many Bay Area cafes. In addition to bringing attention to gun laws, which allow unconcealed and unloaded weapons to be carried without a permit, the groups are also making a statement about the difficulty of obtaining concealed weapons permits.

In a Monitor interview last month, Bay Area open carry advocate David LaTour said that unless someone is "well connected" politically, concealed weapons permits are essentially unobtainable.

[God's Country]

"People should be free from the fear and the potential for violence firearms represent," said Democratic Assembly Member Lori Saldana of San Diego, in a statement. "These displays of firearms can create potentially dangerous situations."

What took so long?

I'm so glad Ca. continues to uphold the right to be free from fear.
The most important of all rights.

[The_Game]

Does this mean... open carriers have ruined it for everyone in CA? :P

[PocketProtector]

Yep it's all up to him. Typical left anti authoritarianism.

[customloaded]

Now would be a great time to slip in SHALL ISSUE legislation with the idea of, out of sight, out of mind. Baby steps..think baby steps.

[anonymouse]

http://sdgln.com/commentary/2010/03/...handgun-policy

Taking aim at California’s "open carry" handgun policy
Assemblymember Lori Saldaña | Thu, 03/11/2010 - 12:16pm |


Assemblywoman Lori Saldaña

I am moving forward with legislation to address the issue of openly carrying handguns in public.

People should be free from the fear and the potential for violence firearms represent. A parent pushing a stroller shouldn’t have to determine whether the motives of a person carrying a handgun are dangerous or not or whether the gun is loaded or not.

The average person isn’t able to tell the good guys from the bad guys.

While current state law prohibits carrying any loaded or concealed firearm in public, it does not address carrying an unloaded firearm openly. This gap in California law has been a platform for gun-rights advocates seeking to push for acceptance of carrying loaded weapons.

This movement is commonly called "open carry."

In my district, the open carry movement stirred up controversy when a group of around 60 armed supporters marched along a boardwalk at a crowded beach. People were understandably concerned.The police were called and the situation became frightening for the families simply enjoying a day at the beach.

Law enforcement expressed concerns that these displays will tie-up resources by forcing them to respond to calls from concerned citizens and to determine whether guns are unloaded.

These displays of firearms can create potentially dangerous situations. If peace officers respond to a call about a person with a gun, and the armed person then behaves in a way that is perceived as threatening, the officers may be forced to respond in a way that proves deadly.

I believe that responsible gun ownership has a place in our communities, including hunting, sportsmanship and an individual’s right to protect their home. But guns are an intimidating and potentially dangerous presence in public. There is an imbalance of power that can be frightening for people just spending time with their families.

Public display of firearms should be left to trained law enforcement.

The legislation will have its first hearing later this spring.

I'm not even sure what to say.

[The_Game]

Since when is law enforcement trained? :P

[YllwFvr]

It amazes me that so many ignorant people can all live in one state!
Its like a disease! If I ever go to cali with my family I expect we will all look like this or we may bring it back with us!

[dc dalton]

Originally Posted by DaveM55

"People should be free from the fear and the potential for violence firearms represent," said Democratic Assembly Member Lori Saldana of San Diego, in a statement. "These displays of firearms can create potentially dangerous situations."

In other words:

"People should be free from the fear of an inanimate object in the hands of a law abiding citizen and should always feel confident that the bad guys will also follow said laws AND the police will always be there to protect them from criminals"


All I can say is BAAA, BAAA, BAAA

[DaveM55]

Originally Posted by dc dalton

In other words:

"People should be free from the fear of an inanimate object in the hands of a law abiding citizen and should always feel confident that the bad guys will also follow said laws AND the police will always be there to protect them from criminals"


All I can say is BAAA, BAAA, BAAA

Quoting the article is fine, but please be aware I didn't write the article.