This is really smart...

[sleigh]

The Ohio House passed legislation today that would allow gun owners to carry concealed weapons into bars, nightclubs, and other establishments that serve alcohol. The House, which is Republican-led, passed the vote 56 - 39.

Yeah. That makes sense -- give drunken assholes the opportunity to actually pull out their loaded weapons in public rather than just using their fists. We can hope that the Ohio Senate votes it down -- oh, no we can't, since the Ohio Senate passed a similar bill back in April. Of course, the argument is that Ohio state law already bans permit holders from drinking alcohol or using drugs while carrying weapons, so there's no possibility that one of those people carrying their concealed weapon will become intoxicated or belligerent.

Writing my State Senator now. Of course, Bill Seitz (R) has already called the idea of concealed carry in bars and restaurants "a "natural evolution" of Ohio's concealed carry laws.

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/la_marquise_de_/]

Logic is clearly somewhat wanting there. Maybe we should send them a care packet?

[maiac.livejournal.com]

"Ohio state law already bans permit holders from drinking alcohol or using drugs while carrying weapons, so there's no possibility that one of those people carrying their concealed weapon will become intoxicated or belligerent"

And people go into establishments that serve alcohol because they have no intention of consuming any.

I wonder whether Republicans pass bills like this not because they agree with the bill's objective, but primarily because they want to piss off the sane people.

[minnehaha.livejournal.com]

"And people go into establishments that serve alcohol because they have no intention of consuming any."

I go to bars for the articles.

B

[lizziebelle.livejournal.com]

Um, maybe they're hoping they'll all kill each other? O_o

[minnehaha.livejournal.com]

"Of course, Bill Seitz (R) has already called the idea of concealed carry in bars and restaurants a 'natural evolution' of Ohio's concealed carry laws."

I'm sure he's right.

B

[minnehaha.livejournal.com]

It occurs to me, though, that we should have some actual data. As more states pass concealed carry laws, and laws allowing gun to be carried into -- in my opinion -- stupid places like bars and schools, we should be able to collect data on exactly how dangerous they are. Are there more accidental shootings because of these laws? Are there more fatal crimes of passion? Are there more arguments escalating into gun battles? I'd like to see this data, untainted by political agenda.

B

[sleigh.livejournal.com]

I'd like to see relatively untainted data myself. Unfortunately, both sides in the gun control dispute always pull out their favorite statistics to 'prove' their case -- and you can find stats to bolster your argument on either side.

What's the Twain quote? "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics."