Here's a guy that has it right!!!!!

[Roadking]

Vermont   State Representative, Fred Maslack, has read the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (as well as Vermont 's own Constitution) very carefully.  His strict interpretation of these documents is popping some eyeballs in New England -- and, elsewhere.

Maslack recently proposed a bill to register "non-gun-owners"  and require them to pay a $500 fee to the state.  Thus Vermont would become the first state to require a permit for the luxury of going about unarmed and assess a fee of $500 for the privilege of not owning a gun.

Maslack read the "militia" phrase of the Second Amendment as not only affirming the right of the individual citizen to bear arms, but as a clear mandate to do so.  He believes that universal gun ownership was advocated by the Framers of the Constitution as an antidote to a "monopoly of force" by the government -- as well as criminals.

Vermont 's constitution states explicitly that "the people have a right to bear arms for the defense of themselves and the State" and those persons who are "conscientiously scrupulous of bearing arms" shall be required to pay such equivalent.  "Clearly," says Maslack, "Vermonters have a constitutional obligation to arm themselves.  They should be capable of  responding to any situation that may arise."

Under the bill, adults who choose not to own a firearm, would be required to register their name, address, Social Security Number and driver's license number with the state.  "There is a legitimate government interest in knowing who is not prepared to defend the state should they be asked to do so," Maslack says.

Vermont already boasts a high rate of gun ownership along with the least restrictive laws of any state.  It's currently the only state that allows a citizen to carry a concealed firearm without a permit.  This combination of plenty of guns, and few laws regulating them, has resulted in a crime rate that is the third lowest in the nation.

" America is at that awkward stage. It's too late to work within the system, but too early to shoot the bastards," Maslack continues. "This makes sense: there is no reason why gun owners should have to pay taxes to support police protection for people not wanting to own guns.  Let them contribute their fair share and pay their own way."

[justpete]

Nice post.  He does have it right.

[Hopefull Romantic]

I like that. I just hope it is not a trick.

By having the names of those who do not own guns and the process of elimination, they would also find out WHO DOES.

HR

[Roadking]

I like that. I just hope it is not a trick.

By having the names of those who do not own guns and the process of elimination, they would also find out WHO DOES.

HR

Legal gun owners are all on a list already. It's the ones that are not on the list you have to worry about.

[Wildcat]

I like that. I just hope it is not a trick.

By having the names of those who do not own guns and the process of elimination, they would also find out WHO DOES.

HR

Legal gun owners are all on a list already. It's the ones that are not on the list you have to worry about.

Not ALL legal gun owners are on a list. Not all states require permission to own, nor buy. Florida, as an example requires background checks etc. if purchasing from a gun "dealer". They were trying to pass a law for checks for ANY purchase, but as far as I know it has not passed yet. Also, many folks already own guns and do not need to purchase anymore. Some inherit guns. Some folks such as police, judges and private investigators legally have guns (generally unregistered) and keep them after they are no longer doing that job. All perfectly legal. Almost everyone that I personally know in FL, GA, AL, SC, and NC own guns legally and very few have them registered. In many states shotguns and rifles have very little restrictions beyond age.

If this thing in Vermont is true, I am all for it.

[Roadking]

Not ALL legal gun owners are on a list. Not all states require permission to own, nor buy. Florida, as an example requires background checks etc. if purchasing from a gun "dealer". They were trying to pass a law for checks for ANY purchase, but as far as I know it has not passed yet. Also, many folks already own guns and do not need to purchase anymore. Some inherit guns. Some folks such as police, judges and private investigators legally have guns (generally unregistered) and keep them after they are no longer doing that job. All perfectly legal. Almost everyone that I personally know in FL, GA, AL, SC, and NC own guns legally and very few have them registered. In many states shotguns and rifles have very little restrictions beyond age.

If this thing in Vermont is true, I am all for it.

I think Florida is the best. I was planning a trip down there a few years ago for a pistol tournament (IPSC). They sent me the paper work to get a concelled carry permit for a nonresident. Think Alabama is the same way, they incurrage you to carry.

[ArnieM]

The proposal in Vermont is an interesting twist on things.  Somehow, unfortunately, I doubt if it will pass.

My wife and I both have permits to carry concealed handguns up here in CT (no, not Carolina Treet).  We keep a loaded 12 Gauge in the front coat closet.  We have a loaded 9 mm on the mantle piece.  I have a loaded Sig Sauer P230 .380 in my desk drawer.  I carry a loaded S&W .44 magnum revolver in my car.  Empty guns don't work well.  Feel free to stop by, but call first.  ;)

Certainly, if we had kids around, this wouldn't be the case. 

Owning and/or carrying a gun is a responsibility.  I believe that anyone that buys a handgun should have to take a handling course first.  That's how to use it and WHEN it can be used.

[Wildcat]

In FL, a course is required for a permit, or proof of military service.

[KevinG]

Owning and/or carrying a gun is a responsibility.  I believe that anyone that buys a handgun should have to take a handling course first.  That's how to use it and WHEN it can be used.

I took the course even though it's not mandatory in my state. Just made good common sense to me. Also gives me a little sense of accomplishment knowing I did something I didn't need to do.

[HawkeyeSmokes]

Owning and/or carrying a gun is a responsibility.  I believe that anyone that buys a handgun should have to take a handling course first.  That's how to use it and WHEN it can be used.

I took the course even though it's not mandatory in my state. Just made good common sense to me. Also gives me a little sense of accomplishment knowing I did something I didn't need to do.

Very good comments. Carrying a weapon is great right but that person also needs to be trained in the proper use of it. I don't carry even though my job takes me to a few places I wish I did. My employer has a policy of no guns on company property or while working.

[Oldman]

Very good comments. Carrying a weapon is great right but that person also needs to be trained in the proper use of it.

I totally agree. In another life I was a shooter. There is no excuse to carry without good training.  

Missing your target and hitting the wrong person is nightmare a person has to live with for the rest of their life. If you are not trained then don't carry.

If you want home protection without training then stick with a 12 gauge shotgun "20" open choke barrel. Use it only on the inside of your home.

[ArnieM]

My current home shotgun is an ancient H&R single shot that was made here in CT.  I cut the barrel down about two inches to open it up some.  I used to hunt grouse and they could flush 15-20 feet in front of me in a thicket.

I used to shoot competition trap with a Perazzi single shot trap gun.  That was probably the only thing I bought, used (for several thousand rounds) and then sold for a profit.  :)

There's a state forest down the end of our street with a sign that says "Hunting is allowed".  My wife and I walk down there every so often for target practice.  I'm going to have to get her one of those hats with the antlers.  ;D ;D ;D

[Oldman]

This is the shotgun I have next to my bed.

[Wildcat]

Shotgun is excellent for home protection. If it goes off and even if you miss, you will get their attention. I know of a few people that are dead set against killing so they simply load their shotguns with rock salt. Granted still potentially deadly, but works. I myself will get rid of the problem permanently.

[aces-n-eights]

Interesting take on the second amendment - i like it!

It's currently the only state that allows a citizen to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. 

Just for the record, Alaska allows citizens to carry concealed without a permit as well.