James Goldberg of Glastonbury, Conn., recently was arrested for carrying a firearm at his neighborhood Chili's restaurant, and his release because his actions were legal has sparked a major debate over the Second Amendment.
But the legislative director for the Massachusetts Gun Owners Action League, Jim Wallace, contends the case is evidence of the successful work of gun opponents in demonizing the hardware itself, using fear to crack down on a legal activity.
"I am not quite sure what the hysteria is about people carrying anything," Wallace said.
"If police officers carry openly, is the general public scared? They shouldn't be. Nor should they be scared if their fellow citizens are doing the same thing. The problem is the irrational stigma, probably created by the media, about guns themselves," Wallace said.
"What the gun opponents are fostering is a basic mistrust of their fellow citizens," Wallace said. "I've asked students at forums what they don't trust about the person next to them. They usually answer, 'I trust him, he's my friend.'
"Then I usually say, 'So what's the problem?' If you trust him, there shouldn't be a problem," Wallace said.
Goldberg was released because under the provisions of the Connecticut firearms permit law, he was carrying legally.
Connecticut is one of 13 states that allow open carry with restrictions. According to The Free Library, others are Utah, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
States that offer open carry without licenses or restrictions are Alaska, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, South Dakota, Vermont, Kentucky and Virginia.
While all states have their own variations of rules and regulations, Second Amendment advocates say the Goldberg case is a worrisome indicator.
Connecticut Citizens Defense League President Scott Wilson said that while the Chili's employees may have been well-intentioned, the greater issue was ignorance of the law.
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6 comments:
Our illegal government does not want us to be armed. Their (government's) media is fostering the fear on purpose.
This is systmatic dis-arming of the people. It WILL happen. It simply takes time.
Already, our police and military would be willing to fire upon we the people (their family members) if "ordered" to do so. I have no question that they would attack us in the name of terrorism.
The police and military are being created as "special societies" who deserve different privileges etc. They (and only they) are trained and capable of driving down the highway at 80 miles per hour (or higher). They must seek out WE who are violating the laws which do not apply to THEM. The same with the military. If they kick down civillian doors and drag women and children out of homes - it is because they are trained to do so. Only THEY have the right to manhandle women and children.
If he was legal, why was he arrested? Were these cops ignorant of the law also? Or just arrest to punish someone exercising their rights?
11:17
Your post is spot on correct!
I would add that the police should not be allowed to arm themselves with anything that the general public isn't allowed to have. That includes full auto weapons, tasers and mace.
I also believe that ANYTIME a cop fires a taser, there should be an investigation no less thorough than when the cop discharges a firearm.
They seem to be very trigger happy with the tasers maybe because there is very little accountability for using them.
Cops are just people with special privilages that have get out of jail free cards.
Cops are no more honest than anyone, and I have PERSONALLY had a cop lie in court just because thay can't admit when they make a mistake.
3:59 so he only lied once? all cops lie! they want to make a case anyway they can!
4:56 PM
absolutely. I've known this ever since I was a kid. Nothing new about that. Just that people are finally waking up and realizing the truth.
They have been busted over and over again. Even with their OWN video cameras in addition to the publics.
false arrest. guy had a legal permit to carry. now that guy has an arrest on his record that shouldnt be. time to attack that PD.
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