University Chronicle Extras:
Movies
|
Rate a Pic
|
Horoscopes
|
Vote 04
|
Career
|
Scholarships
|
Travel
|
GradZone
News
Briefly
Calendar of Events
Commentary
Sports
Diversions
World News
Classifieds
Login
Letter Submission
Search
Archive
Publishing Policy
Mail Subscriptions
St. Cloud State University
College Publisher
Home
>
Commentary
Firearm ruling misses the point
Published:
Thursday, July 15, 2004
When Ramsey County District Judge John Finley declared the "Conceal and Carry" gun law unconstitutional, he may have brought an entire new dynamic to the debate. The law is now much larger than differing ideological beliefs about the second amendment. It's now a question of technicality.
Unknown by many, the "Conceal and Carry" law that separated the state on the issue of gun rights was passed as an attachment, or "rider" to an unrelated Department of Natural Resources bill. Although this is a common way of passing unpopular bills in many political systems, "riders" are illegal in Minnesota State government. David Lillenhaug, the attorney who brought the case to court said that the law's passage was "contrary to Minnesota's tradition of open government."
But considering all the publicity that surrounded "Conceal and Carry," it seems ridiculous to suggest that the law wasn't out in the open. Nevertheless, the law may come to an early end because of the ruling.
Whether pointing out this technicality was actually meant to protect open government or was decided on political bias is questionable.
On the other hand, over 3,000 people have already acquired carrying permits. Also, would repealing the law be fair to those that have already acquired their license? Probably not.
Regardless, it must be pointed out that this is Minnesota and hunting and firearms will always be a part of our culture and tradition. It is not likely that gun enthusiasts will turn their heads.
If critics of laws that protect gun owners are so concerned with safety, it seems logical that education should be more of a focal point rather than protesting state legislature. If more people were required to take firearm safety education courses (even those who don't shoot) there might be fewer gun related accidents.
With all the talk of whether or not the law was passed legally, the initial question still remains unanswered, and the people of the state remain divided on the real issue: Should citizens be allowed to carry handguns in public? At this rate, a long and grueling battle between gun enthusiasts and critics is sure to ensue.
Forum:
No comments have been posted for this story.
Post a comment
