I suppose it’s progress
Rep. Dexter Sharper didn’t vote to allow guns to be carried in more places in Georgia last year. But when the so-called “guns everywhere” law took effect last summer and permitted firearms in bars, schools, churches and government offices, the legislator from Valdosta found himself applying for a license.
Sharper, a Democrat who works as a paramedic, said he didn’t want to be caught somewhere as the only person without a firearm. It’s a growing possibility in his district in Lowndes County, which now issues more than double the number of licenses it did five years ago.
While Sharper and his .32-caliber Kel-Tec may no longer be outgunned, he said he now realizes that his pistol is of little use without guidance as to what to do with it. He suspects other inexperienced, gun-toting Georgians know too little about the state’s gun laws, or how to safely use and store firearms, as well.
Sharper is proposing that those who get a license to carry firearms be required to take a gun safety class.
February 22nd, 2015 at 8:00 pm
The end with the hole goes towards the bad guy. How hard is that? Yeah, some of these people need to be spoonfed, but some of us care enough to learn how to use our hammers, pliers, screwdrivers, and yes, guns, that we can do it ourselves. One size does not fit all. Of course, a .32 is outgunned by anyone with a brickbat. I keep telling the MIL to get something that could at least injure someone, but then I keep telling my own mom to stop wasting time and mindspace on network news. Just can’t talk sense to some people.
February 22nd, 2015 at 8:27 pm
So, did he (a) get training himself, or (b) is he waiting for it to be required?
If (a), then why can’t other reasonable adults be allowed to make a similar decision for themselves?
If (b), then he’s incapable of turning his realizations into appropriate actions and doesn’t understand the concept of personal responsibility. That’s like realizing your brakes are squealing and waiting for the government to force you to get them fixed rather than taking the car to the shop yourself.
February 23rd, 2015 at 12:14 pm
That’s the way it works in states without a training requirement: people apply for the license, receive it, and then get to thinking… “Oh my gosh, they gave this thing to me and I haven’t learned a thing about carrying a gun! I’d better go get training.” And many of them do. This self-driven training process produces eager, motivated learners who often continue training to the advanced levels (where every person who carries a gun should eventually end up).
In states where training is required by law, it works differently. The person applies for a license and learns they “have to” take a class in order to get it. So they go looking for the cheapest, fastest way to get the paperwork completed, which won’t be hard because the requirement isn’t a high bar in the first place. All too many of the applicants don’t give a hoot what’s actually taught in the class; they’re just looking for a signature on a certificate. They get it and they’re done. The instructors are frustrated with running diploma mills for unmotivated students, and as for the students? Well, the state said they have learned enough, so why would they ever look for more? They’re done.
I’m always impressed with instructors in training-required states who can take those students who are just looking for a rubber stamp and turn them into serious learners. That’s not an easy job.
February 23rd, 2015 at 5:01 pm
I’ve always favored the pie-in-the-sky objective of Constitutional Carry coupled with a multi-level permit that gives progressively higher protections under law for the amount of training you have.
Took 12 hrs of coursework in Active Shooter? Your permit allows carry in any educational institution. Took 8 hrs of X, Y or Z? That level of permit allows you locations A, B, C. Or, your civil liabilities are capped at $X dollars should you face a suit.
Another artifact is diversified training after seeking firearms training. How many of us have permitted-up only to become interested in rounding out into trauma medicine classes and beefed up our first aid kits? Or, got involved with a CERT type organization?