Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Shoot first, screw the questions

The gun nuts have won.

Is there even any debate over gun laws anymore? A dead issue, unfortunately, as Democrats, convinced its an argument that can't be won, have dropped it faster than they ditched Mike Dukakis.

Too bad, since I think there's a consensus in this country for sensible weapons control. Doesn't look like we'll ever get it --

A campaign by gun rights advocates to make it easier to use deadly force in self-defense is rapidly winning support across the country, as state after state makes it legal for people who feel their lives are in danger to shoot down an attacker -- whether in a car-jacking or just on the street.

Ten states so far this year have passed a version of the law, after Florida was the first last year. It's already being considered in Arizona in the case of a deadly shooting on a hiking trail.

The campaign is simply about self-defense, said Oklahoma state Rep. Kevin Calvey, a Republican and author of the law in his state. "Law-abiding citizens aren't going to take it anymore," he said.

"It's going to give the crooks second thoughts about carjackings and things like that. They're going to get a face full of lead," Calvey said. He introduced the bill at the request of the local National Rifle Association, and it passed with overwhelmingly support: The House agreed 83-4, the Senate 39-5.

Democratic Gov. Brad Henry signed it and said: "This act will allow law-abiding Oklahomans to protect themselves, their loved ones and their property."

Besides Oklahoma, the nine other states to sign on are Arizona, Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi and South Dakota, according to the NRA.

One upside: maybe NRA support will finally level off. Hard for them to maintain the argument that the government is coming after your guns with news like this.

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