Shelby Co. Mayor: Need more gun control
So reports the privacy rights invading Commercial Appeal here:
Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton, in a push to increase public safety, has called for a statewide gun-offender registry and tougher penalties for people who carry handguns without permits.
In his annual State of the County address to the Rotary Club on Tuesday, Wharton unveiled a flurry of ideas to reduce violent gun crimes, including state legislation that would make it a felony instead of a misdemeanor for first-time offenders who illegally carry guns.
Let’s make it illegaler.
February 11th, 2009 at 11:05 am
If the choices are lock ’em up for a felony, versus pay $3Billion for adult day care / drug rehab, I vote lock ’em up.
Some of the rest of the ideas are of course still BS.
February 11th, 2009 at 11:21 am
It’s too bad that MAIG member Mayor Wharton is using his public platform to pursue an anti-gun agends.
He is a great county mayor, and I am hopeful that he will be Memphis’ next city mayor?
Et toi, tgirsch?
February 11th, 2009 at 11:32 am
Possession of a handgun is a misdemeanor now, making it a felony would help put the gang bangers away.
If, of course, they actually made them spend time in jail.
I heard him on the radio a while back. He didn’t come across as a gun grabber, his membership in Bloomie’s group notwithstanding. He is focused on the criminal element, not gun ownership in general.
At least not yet.
February 11th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
Not saying I agree with A.C. here, but what, exactly, is the problem with “make it illegaler?” Do you oppose the imposition of stiffer penalties for crimes in general, or just when gun crimes are at issue? If you’re going that tougher penalties don’t generally work as a deterrent, I’d be inclined to agree with you, actually, and we can get started with the work of abolishing the death penalty and three strikes laws.
February 11th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
“He is focused on the criminal element, not gun ownership in general.”-Rustmeister
Right up until the legislature criminalizes normal activity in which you or I or others currently engage.
Look around this country and tell me you haven’t seen this done already?
February 12th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
“…and we can get started with the work of abolishing the death penalty and three strikes laws.”
Seems to me that permanent incarceration or a ride in ol’ sparky are a wonderful deterrent to that particular felon committing any more crimes.
Apparently, though, crimes aren’t committed by criminal types, they just occur whenever external conditions are right. “Oh look, he bought a gun, he must be planning to kill someone.” “Oh, my, its’ the dark of the moon, that’ll cause rape, robbery and pillage.” “Oh, no, we elected a democrat, we’re screwed.”
Well, that last one I can believe.