MuskogeePhoenix.com, Muskogee, OK

Editorials

Discussion

February 20, 2009

Shoot down gun law

The proposed Open Carry bill is unnecessary.

State Rep. Mike Ritze, R-Broken Arrow, says that his Open Carry proposal is needed to eliminate “gun restrictions” that he sees “as unreasonably restrictive.” So Ritze is proposing that Oklahomans be able to carry a gun around with them all the time, openly, without a handgun license.

The law currently allows anyone not convicted of a crime to carry an unloaded, visible rifle, shotgun or pistol to hunt, to a gun class, sporting event or police or military function without a handgun license.

But how unreasonably restrictive is that?

If a person wants to carry a gun, they can carry one when they need it. If people feel they need a gun any other time, they can get a license. A license is not unreasonable. We make people get licenses for operating many other potentially dangerous equipment and machinery.

There are many good reasons for registering guns and gun owners.

Some, like Ritze, will say if you oppose them, you oppose the Second Amendment. That’s a false argument.

Every right includes restrictions for public safety, and many safety concerns regarding guns are valid.

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