No one has to pay for a class to open carry a firearm. No safety instruction, no nomenclature test, no legal briefs, no lectures on safe storage, nothing that is in the course material to get a permit in order to tuck it in your pocket or drape a jacket over it. Just purchase, strap up, and off to Walmart you go! That makes NO frickin' sense to have to suddenly be required to submit a packet of paperwork, pay for a training class and permit, to conceal a gun rather than carry it openly. Also, there is nothing that I know of that says one can't open carry once they're 18, so why deny concealed carry until someone is 21? It's not illegal for someone 18 years old to possess a handgun, they just can't be the purchaser from a licensed dealer (also stupid and pointless). There is even a provision under 14:95.8 C(7) that allows for someone under 18 to be in possession of a handgun with a note from mommy or daddy. So if all of that is allowable, what's the big deal about stuffing it in your coat pocket or waistline?
I think training is great, I would advocate getting some if you don't know what you're doing, but I don't think the permit should be required in order to carry a firearm concealed. Keep the process in place, because other states may still require it for reciprocity when travelling, but it's a fundamental right to be able to defend yourself, and since the government is not capable of doing so for you, then it's not their place to stand in the way of you doing so effectively.
Also, Mike Tregre sounds like a frickin' idiot in that article! How's he supposed to train his people for that? That's a pretty easy in-service if you ask me: "Hey everybody, it's no longer illegal to conceal a weapon on your person without a permit. All other laws about who can't legally possess a firearm remain the same. Sign the attendance roster, enjoy the rest of your day." I'll gladly, for a fat paycheck, offer my services to get his deputies up to speed should the bill become law.
I think training is great, I would advocate getting some if you don't know what you're doing, but I don't think the permit should be required in order to carry a firearm concealed. Keep the process in place, because other states may still require it for reciprocity when travelling, but it's a fundamental right to be able to defend yourself, and since the government is not capable of doing so for you, then it's not their place to stand in the way of you doing so effectively.
Also, Mike Tregre sounds like a frickin' idiot in that article! How's he supposed to train his people for that? That's a pretty easy in-service if you ask me: "Hey everybody, it's no longer illegal to conceal a weapon on your person without a permit. All other laws about who can't legally possess a firearm remain the same. Sign the attendance roster, enjoy the rest of your day." I'll gladly, for a fat paycheck, offer my services to get his deputies up to speed should the bill become law.
