Perdue should veto bill allowing citizens with gun permits to be armed in restaurants, public transportation vehicles, & state parks without apology.
I did a 04-09-08 post entitled "(1) Will he or won't he veto it? & (2) 'Note to waiters and waitresses: Smile when you hand out the menus, and no arguing over 5 percent tips.'"
Today The Brunswick News has an editorial urging Gov. Perdue to veto the recent legislation allowing guns in restaurants. It notes in part:
Businesses in Georgia are understandably upset at legislation pushed through the state General Assembly that knocks the Peach State back into the old days of the wild, wild west – when everyone walked around with a six-gun on their hip. With a that-a-boy high five from the National Rifle Association, the House and Senate weakened existing state law to allow citizens with gun permits to be armed in restaurants, public transportation vehicles and state parks.
Businesses voiced opposition to the legislation during the early weeks of the General Assembly, but somehow, between all the rushing and chaos during the final day of the 2008 session, the measure softening the law got through.
Now, restaurants and others across the state are urging Gov. Sonny Perdue to veto the legislation. They don't want it because they don't want anybody and everybody possessing a concealed weapons permit bringing guns to the table when they sit down to order food or alcohol.
The Georgia Restaurant Association says it is more concerned about potential violence than it is about someone having the right to carry a weapon into an upscale or fast-food eatery. The association has allies, including the likes of the Georgia Hotel and Lodging Association. It, too, thinks the governor should deep six the legislation.
Those cheering on gun laws say people have the right to protect themselves. No argument there. They do. But not at the risk of the safety and lives of innocent bystanders.
This is bad legislation that was pushed by people who receive and accept campaign contributions from the National Rifle Association. Period.
Gov. Perdue should veto it without apology.
Today The Brunswick News has an editorial urging Gov. Perdue to veto the recent legislation allowing guns in restaurants. It notes in part:
Businesses in Georgia are understandably upset at legislation pushed through the state General Assembly that knocks the Peach State back into the old days of the wild, wild west – when everyone walked around with a six-gun on their hip. With a that-a-boy high five from the National Rifle Association, the House and Senate weakened existing state law to allow citizens with gun permits to be armed in restaurants, public transportation vehicles and state parks.
Businesses voiced opposition to the legislation during the early weeks of the General Assembly, but somehow, between all the rushing and chaos during the final day of the 2008 session, the measure softening the law got through.
Now, restaurants and others across the state are urging Gov. Sonny Perdue to veto the legislation. They don't want it because they don't want anybody and everybody possessing a concealed weapons permit bringing guns to the table when they sit down to order food or alcohol.
The Georgia Restaurant Association says it is more concerned about potential violence than it is about someone having the right to carry a weapon into an upscale or fast-food eatery. The association has allies, including the likes of the Georgia Hotel and Lodging Association. It, too, thinks the governor should deep six the legislation.
Those cheering on gun laws say people have the right to protect themselves. No argument there. They do. But not at the risk of the safety and lives of innocent bystanders.
This is bad legislation that was pushed by people who receive and accept campaign contributions from the National Rifle Association. Period.
Gov. Perdue should veto it without apology.
posted by Sid Cottingham | 1:28 PM
1 Comments:
Under Section 4, Item F of HB89, persons licensed to carry a firearm are still prohibited from consuming alcoholic beverages at restaurants if they have their weapon on them. Hopefully, those who are responsible enough to submit to fingerprinting and a background criminal check will be responsible enough not to drink while carrying.
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