Concealed Gun Law Rejected by Sen Harkin and others

Yesterday, July 22, 2009 the Senate Amendment, S. Amdt 1618; which would have allowed anyone who has a concealed carry permit to carry that weapon, concealed, in all of the lower 48 states. Senators Harkin (D-IA), Akaka (D-HI), Inouye (D-HI), Lugar (R-IN), Voinovich (R-OH), all voted Nay. I am mildly surprised that the Hawaii Senators voted against a law which would not affect their constituents; however, I am very surprised that the two republicans and Senator Harkin, our senator voted against this measure. This measure fell short by two votes, 58-39. Had the two republican senators voted for this measure and Senator Harkin it would have passed.

Why was this bill important? What if you were able to carry a concealed pistol or revolver and knew how to use it? Now criminals would be forced to think twice before robbing you knowing that anyone on the street may have a gun, knows how to use it, and may shoot them in the process of robbing them. Do you think that they may complete their task? Truth be known, most criminals are cowards and are very scared of guns, however, they use them as an intimidation factor for their own insecurities.

http://www.usacarry.com/ shows which states allow concealed carry permits and which states recognize other state's laws. It is also notable that the states which do not allow this universal right have very high crime rates. I wonder why? It is important to note that one can only get a concealed carry permit after requesting one through their local county sheriff and undergoing a criminal background investigation. Not just anyone can carry a concealed weapon, criminals cannot LEGALLY carry a weapon, however, that does not stop them from obtaining weapons. Why should we not allow citizens, which do not have a criminal background, carry weapons as granted to us as a RIGHT under the 2nd Amendment to The Constitution?!

Something to think about: Couples from all over the United States can come to Iowa and get married if they are gay or lesbian and their marriage IS recognized by all 50 states (not a Constitutional right); however, if you get a permit to carry a gun (a Constitutional right) one cannot carry in all of the lower 48.

Are we living in an upside down world? I think that it is high time that we vote Senator Harkin out of office. He is not for the safety of Iowans nor for the betterment of the United States.