Is Battle Brewing in NYC Over Pistol Fees?
The Associated Press via The Wall Street Journal reported this week that the Second Amendment Foundation and New York State Rifle and Pistol Association are looking to challenge New York City’s fees to obtain a pistol permit. The groups say that the fee, which is $340 plus a $94.25 charge for fingerprint check, is in conflict with the Second Amendment.
We couldn’t agree more.
What is interesting is that story says that a Mayor Michael Bloomberg supports the rights of law-abiding citizens to own a gun, and yet the mayor is founder of Mayors Against Illegal Guns. That makes it hard for us to believe him.
Liberal Celebrity Site Gawker Has Problem with “Hidden Guns”
Celebrity news website Gawker posted a story, which picked up news reports, that among the individuals listed on a newly released New York City gun permit-holder list include Roger Ailes and Sean Hannity. Both reportedly have “concealed carry permits,” something that isn’t exactly the easiest thing to get. As we’ve reported there does seem to be a double standard in New York City when it comes to issuing permits. Read more
UK Press Association Story Misses Key Points
Did a story posted on UKPA intend to be biased when reporting on the Texas State Capitol security check point system that allows for a “fast-pass” into the building? The article notes, “people who carry a gun into the Texas Capitol building in the US do not have to be checked by security.”
The article also notes, “a unique loophole in a new security procedure means a gun permit is like a special access pass.” This is only partially true and of course the article from the U.K. Press Association lacks noting what people need to do to get the permit. Instead it makes it seem as if the gun itself, as opposed to the special permit is what gets people fast tracked.
Firearm Permit War Breaks Out Between NM and Utah
The state of New Mexico will no longer accept Utah’s gun permits. New Mexico claims Utah’s training requirements for a permit are inadequate on fail to meet New Mexico’s standards. State Public Safety Secretary John Denko says Utah licenses require significantly less training than New Mexico’s. Utah Shooting Sports Council’s Clark Aposhian claims Utah has the best training in the country. Read more
Biased Take on Arizona Gun Law
The Arizona Daily Star offered a bit of bias in a feature on the state’s new legislation that would allow adults to carry a concealed weapon. Here is the spin the paper put on this measure:
“Arizona is on the verge of becoming the third state to let just about any adult carry a concealed weapon. Without a word of debate, the House voted 36-19 on Wednesday to eliminate the criminal penalties that now exist if someone has a hidden gun without the necessary state permit. The Senate already has approved the measure.”
What is missing from this explanation is a criminal can already carry a concealed weapon, but a law-abiding citizen cannot (or else he/she becomes a criminal for breaking the law). This new law just ensures that private citizens can protect themselves, but clearly the paper doesn’t see it that way.
One Law For Them, Another Law For Everyone Else
Could we ever end up with a class that is allowed to own guns, and another that is not? According to The Modesto Bee this is already happening:
“People in Turlock who want concealed weapon permits might consider running for office. Of the seven permits issued by Turlock police, two belong to City Council members. And while Councilmen Ted Howze and Kurt Spycher don’t feel they got preferential treatment, Police Chief Gary Hampton confirmed that they did.”
So in Turlock, California those in government stand a better chance of getting a concealed weapons permit? What is more interesting is that crime has been on the decline, and yet Hampton claims he considers permits to public officials for the reason “there is a great potential for an act of violence committed against people who hold office.” If crime is down, then why do the public officials need the permits – permits that other law-abiding citizens might have a hard time acquiring?
Even Mass. Citizens Looking to Get Permits
It seems that even citizens in the traditionally liberal state of Massachusetts are looking to obtain firearm permits, The Boston Globe reports. According to the paper this came a surprise to everyone:
“The magnitude of the rise, evident in nearly every corner of the state, surprised law enforcement officials, and gun advocates and opponents alike.”
Maybe even liberals aren’t buying that line that gun laws aren’t being tightened, or maybe all those reports of gun sales and ammo has convinced people is time to get a permit… at least while they still can.
Firing Back: Should Bankers Have Guns? Why Not, We Ask?
Look for this to become big news… Wall Street big wigs are getting guns. Well, not quite. Media outlets around the New York City area are reporting that some bankers are applying for pistol permits. What isn’t typically mentioned is that any New York resident, at least those who haven’t been convicted of a crime or have a mental illness, can apply. Many media outlets are also failing to report what a difficult and time consumer – not to mention expenses process it is to go through!
At least the New York Posted noted this much:
“At least Goldman bankers, who can make tens of millions a year, will find the permit fees relatively cheap: Registration and fingerprinting charges total $434.25.”
That’s right. For everyone, millionaire or not, the fees are nearly $450 in New York to obtain what the U.S. constitution says you have a right to own. And note that this is fingerprinting, as in the same type of fingerprinting people who are actually arrested go through. But if Mike Bloomberg had his way, he’d probably make it a crime to apply for a gun permit!
