Florida concealed weapons permits soar
The number of Floridians with permission to pack heat has jumped nearly 50 percent in three years. In 2005, one year before the state Legislature's decision to provide anonymity to people holding concealed weapons licenses, there were 347,350 active permits statewide. Now, that number has swelled to about 520,000.
The number of Floridians with permission to pack heat has jumped nearly 50 percent in three years.
In 2005, one year before the state Legislature's decision to provide anonymity to people holding concealed weapons licenses, there were 347,350 active permits statewide.
Now, that number has swelled to about 520,000.
This equates to 1 person in every 35 has a permit. Oddly, we've not seen a 50% increase in gun crimes, especially from permit holders. The anti's would have you believe that carrying a pistol is the same as using the pistol and that it would be impossible to tote one around without blowing someone's head off. The next thing you know, someone will be pulling out the old Wild West canard.
To opponents, that makes Florida a 21st century Wild West.
Right on queue. I wonder who could be using that phrase?
"You're talking about people carrying loaded, hidden handguns," said Brian Malte, director of state legislation for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, an advocacy group based in Washington, D.C.
No shit! The Brady Campaign? Whooda thunk?
Of course, we've not experienced their version of the wild west with blood in the streets and shootouts over plastic fruit and vegetable bags at Publix. Instead, crimes is down and people are starting to realize what it means to be a free citizen instead of a subject.
Now, I have no problem with people carrying loaded, concealed handguns because I trust them and, if they're intent on doing harm, I have the means to protect myself and my family. Brian Malte, being a coward and a bigot, doesn't trust you to make your own decisions and would rather take that option away from you, leaving you defenseless against the very people to whom the law of the land doesn't apply.
"People are beginning to understand what they can do with that gun," said Arthur Hayhoe, president of the Florida Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, a longtime opponent of the state's gun laws. "My advice is don't trifle with Floridians."
No shit, Arthur. You speak as if trifling with people is morally acceptable. You seemed shocked that is someone was to mess with me or my family that I might do something horrible like protect myself. Of course, Mr. Hayhoe wants everyone to believe that just looking at a gun owner funny will get you killed, but the numbers simply do not support his bigotry.
This is one battle we're winning. The anti's are flailing right now and are desperate to keep facts out of the spotlight since they damage their positions. Heck, they have to pay for fake "gun groups" to make it appear they support gun rights while they try to strip them away.
520,000 Floridians see through that charade just fine, and I'm glad to be part of that group.