AfterShock
Well-Known Member
Just another update on HB27, since it's being debated tomorrow I sent the following message to my representative. I know a few of my statements referencing law could be nit picked, but I want to get the point across, not focus on extraneous info. If you can find a moment to do so, I would encourage you to call or write your representative and express your support for HB27. The more we can stifle all the propaganda from the anti's, the better.
Representative Foil,
I am one of your constituents and want to express my support for HB27 by Rep. Wooten, which will be discussed in the House on Thursday, May 28.
I received my BS from LSU in 2002 and have worked full time as an LSU employee since 2003. I am currently enrolled part time in the Masters program at LSU for Public Administration.
There are a lot of misconceptions being circulated about this bill that I want to clarify, because as I watched the debates in committee, the opponents of the bill often sidetracked the discussion with irrelevant points and tried to attach false outcomes to its implementation. So I will list out a few things that describe what this bill is, and what it isn't.
• The purpose of this bill is to eliminate the prohibition that bans people with concealed carry permits from carrying their concealed weapons at public universities.
• The purpose of the bill is to allow citizens who live within 1000 feet of a school to carry their concealed weapon on their own property to defend themselves.
• The purpose of this bill is not to arm students. 21 year old students have been able to buy handguns and apply for concealed carry permits since 1996. Those who have done so are already carrying their concealed weapons to the malls, grocery stores, parks, and movie theaters. Schools should not be excluded from the places they can defend themselves.
• The alcohol argument is an attempt at misdirection. Opponents argue that we shouldn’t be putting guns into an environment with such a high consumption of alcohol. Alcohol is not a problem in our classrooms; it is a problem at off campus bars and parties. 21 year old students are already permitted to own and carry concealed weapons off campus. There is already a potential for alcohol to interfere and become a negative factor, yet in the 13 years of LA concealed carry law, there has not been any issue with alcohol and concealed weapons.
• There is a reason why alcohol has not been a problem for people with concealed carry permits. When you take a training class prior to receiving your permit, you are instructed that the law prohibits carrying of a concealed weapon if your BAC is greater than 0.03. This is more than twice as low as the driving limit and instructors generally advise against ANY alcohol consumption while carrying. People who are responsible enough to take personnel protection seriously tend to be responsible enough to know when to leave their weapon at home because alcohol will be consumed. Additionally, LA law prohibits carrying weapons into establishments that primarily sell alcohol.
Alcohol is not the issue in HB27
• Opponents argue that guns on campus for game days would introduce weapons to an environment with lots of alcohol and passionate fans. An amendment has already been engrossed into the bill that will prohibit weapons at sporting events and areas supporting sporting events.
• Opponents argue that college is a stressful time for students and introducing guns could spark disaster. This bill does not change the mental stability of LA students. If a student is so depressed that they are considering harm to themselves or others, they will find a way. Students can already go to our new Bass Pro and purchase a firearm and choose whether to act responsibly or commit a crime.
• Opponents also argue that guns in classrooms would be intimidating and distracting. Over 30,000 LA residents have permits to carry concealed weapons and do so around us every day. Yet residents are not distracted or intimidated by these people because the weapons are concealed.
• Other universities in the United States that allow concealed weapons on campus have not seen an influx of concealed permit applications, and have not experienced any incidents involving persons with concealed weapon permits.
As HB27 is debated in the House, please keep in mind the purpose of this bill, as the opponents will try as hard as they can to distort it with other issues. I hope that I can count on your support for HB27, and ask that you encourage your fellow representatives to vote in favor of HB27 as well.
Sincerely,
xxx
Representative Foil,
I am one of your constituents and want to express my support for HB27 by Rep. Wooten, which will be discussed in the House on Thursday, May 28.
I received my BS from LSU in 2002 and have worked full time as an LSU employee since 2003. I am currently enrolled part time in the Masters program at LSU for Public Administration.
There are a lot of misconceptions being circulated about this bill that I want to clarify, because as I watched the debates in committee, the opponents of the bill often sidetracked the discussion with irrelevant points and tried to attach false outcomes to its implementation. So I will list out a few things that describe what this bill is, and what it isn't.
• The purpose of this bill is to eliminate the prohibition that bans people with concealed carry permits from carrying their concealed weapons at public universities.
• The purpose of the bill is to allow citizens who live within 1000 feet of a school to carry their concealed weapon on their own property to defend themselves.
• The purpose of this bill is not to arm students. 21 year old students have been able to buy handguns and apply for concealed carry permits since 1996. Those who have done so are already carrying their concealed weapons to the malls, grocery stores, parks, and movie theaters. Schools should not be excluded from the places they can defend themselves.
• The alcohol argument is an attempt at misdirection. Opponents argue that we shouldn’t be putting guns into an environment with such a high consumption of alcohol. Alcohol is not a problem in our classrooms; it is a problem at off campus bars and parties. 21 year old students are already permitted to own and carry concealed weapons off campus. There is already a potential for alcohol to interfere and become a negative factor, yet in the 13 years of LA concealed carry law, there has not been any issue with alcohol and concealed weapons.
• There is a reason why alcohol has not been a problem for people with concealed carry permits. When you take a training class prior to receiving your permit, you are instructed that the law prohibits carrying of a concealed weapon if your BAC is greater than 0.03. This is more than twice as low as the driving limit and instructors generally advise against ANY alcohol consumption while carrying. People who are responsible enough to take personnel protection seriously tend to be responsible enough to know when to leave their weapon at home because alcohol will be consumed. Additionally, LA law prohibits carrying weapons into establishments that primarily sell alcohol.
Alcohol is not the issue in HB27
• Opponents argue that guns on campus for game days would introduce weapons to an environment with lots of alcohol and passionate fans. An amendment has already been engrossed into the bill that will prohibit weapons at sporting events and areas supporting sporting events.
• Opponents argue that college is a stressful time for students and introducing guns could spark disaster. This bill does not change the mental stability of LA students. If a student is so depressed that they are considering harm to themselves or others, they will find a way. Students can already go to our new Bass Pro and purchase a firearm and choose whether to act responsibly or commit a crime.
• Opponents also argue that guns in classrooms would be intimidating and distracting. Over 30,000 LA residents have permits to carry concealed weapons and do so around us every day. Yet residents are not distracted or intimidated by these people because the weapons are concealed.
• Other universities in the United States that allow concealed weapons on campus have not seen an influx of concealed permit applications, and have not experienced any incidents involving persons with concealed weapon permits.
As HB27 is debated in the House, please keep in mind the purpose of this bill, as the opponents will try as hard as they can to distort it with other issues. I hope that I can count on your support for HB27, and ask that you encourage your fellow representatives to vote in favor of HB27 as well.
Sincerely,
xxx
