U.S. Rep. Candice Miller today praised House passage of a universal right-to-carry gun bill that forces all states to recognize each other’s gun permits. She offers her own version of the old Dave Jaye adage, “an armed society is a polite society.”
“Michigan is one of 49 states in the nation which currently has a law allowing individuals to receive a license to carry a concealed weapon. Some warned that right-to-carry laws would lead to an increase in crime, but the facts bare out that just the opposite is true,” said Miller, a Harrison Township Republican. “Violent crime has gone down substantially across the nation as more and more states instituted right-to-carry laws. When criminals know that law abiding citizens have the ability to defend themselves, they have to think twice before victimizing people.
“This legislation simply allows those who have gotten the training to receive a permit to carry in their home state to use that permit in other states. The bill also requires that concealed weapons permit holders abide by the local laws in the state where they choose to exercise this right and thus is not a federalization of gun laws.
“Just as another state cannot deny driver license holders from Michigan the ability to drive in that state, they should not deny concealed carry permit holders from Michigan the right to carry. I applaud the passage of this legislation that strengthens the constitutional rights of all Americans.”
Miller is right that predictions of a decade ago that right-to-carry laws would lead to a “Wild West” with widespread street violence were wildly off the mark. But I wonder if this new proposal, which will probably die in the Senate, is yet another example of how Republicans are very selective (hypocritical?) in citing states rights when arguing for or against legislation.
For example, the proposed law would be the opposite of the Defense of Marriage Act, which says that same-sex marriages authorized by one state are not recognized in another state. Essentially, Republicans say acknowledging gay marriage should not be required nationwide because different states have different norms and cultures; but acknowledging gun permits should be required everywhere, even if some states’ norms and cultures do not see the benefits of letting nearly anyone carry a high-powered handgun on the streets.
Great logic, but I don't think some Republicans thing logically, Thanks for pointing out what should be obvious!
How horrible, standing up for traditional marriage and the second amendment. I will also remind you chad that 49 states have concealed carry laws and only a couple have gay marriage. Big difference.