Concealed Carry Works – Obama Ignores Facts

The state of Michigan recently celebrated an anniversary. Six years ago state legislature passed, and the governor signed, a new law that effectively made Michigan a shall-issue state when it comes to right-to-carry. Those opposed to concealed carry in Michigan were distressed, convinced that additional weapons would result in more armed robberies, innocent people getting shot and an increase in the suicide rate.

So, if you were against concealed carry in Michigan six years ago and claimed the sky would fall; but crime and suicide rates went down after the law went into effect, what would you do? If you’re Barack Obama and running for president, you ignore the facts and tell people you think concealed carry is a bad idea because more innocent people could get shot during altercations. Doesn’t that feel good…

Second Amendment advocates do not insist that everyone be armed at all times, but they do insist that citizens have the right to protect themselves, their family and home, and have the option to carry a weapon.

Those who choose to carry in one of 42 states that permit concealed weapons generally go through required background checks and training. Vermont and Alaska trust their citizens so much that they simply require the mandated federal background check to purchase a pistol. No additional checks or training are required to carry your pistol – goodness grief!

So what did happen in Michigan? Prior to the laws, only 25,000 residents were permitted to carry. After six years, more than 155,00 residents of the state have a permit. That number does not include residents of other states who are allowed to carry in Michigan. Although you need to conform to normal Michigan law, the state offers full reciprocity for residents in other states that have a permit. In other words if you have a pistol permit in Connecticut, you can carry in Michigan.

So did gun crimes increase six-fold? Nope. Overall, the violent crime rate and suicide rate went down.

Over at Malkin’s site, see-dubya has more. So does Hot Air, and Amanda Carpenter has a piece today on Townhall. So yes, there are a lot of conservative writers posting today about this issue. It’s important!

Obama’s most recent comments concerning concealed carry come from an interview with the Pittsburgh Tribune Review just yesterday.

Rather than create a national registry, “I do think we have to do a better job sharing information between local and federal officials,” Obama said yesterday. He differs with McCain and Clinton about whether people should be allowed to carry concealed guns. Clinton and McCain oppose outlawing it.

“I am not in favor of concealed weapons,” Obama said. “I think that creates a potential atmosphere where more innocent people could (get shot during) altercations.”

Obama’s position can not be ignored, and someone needs to go tell him that there are no Wild West shootouts happening in the streets of states that support your Second Amendment rights, even in those crazy states – Vermont or Alaska – that don’t regulate concealed carry.

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Steve McGough

Steve's a part-time conservative blogger. Steve grew up in Connecticut and has lived in Washington, D.C. and the Bahamas. He resides in Connecticut, where he’s comfortable six months of the year.

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