I’ll be the first to admit that I was displeased with the outcome of Senate Bill 234 and Open Carry here in Florida. While the logic was sound on the merits and morality of Open Carry, we had strong opposition from both the Florida Retail Federation (who didn’t want to be forced to make a decision between law abiding carriers and PSH patrons) as well as the Sheriff’s Association.
Sadly, neither group had a coherent or logical argument against Open Carry, instead they resorted to lies, distortions, and illegal tactics
Leading the effort last spring was one of Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings' staff lobbyists, who gave lawmakers surveillance and state drivers license photos of eight concealed-weapons permit holders, despite a state law that makes the identities of the 800,000 permit holders confidential. The idea was to distribute photographs of motorcycle gang members with valid gun permits to show legislators the sort of people who might scare away tourists if they displayed their pistols, according to an investigation by the Orange-Osceola State Attorney's Office.
Leading the effort last spring was one of Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings' staff lobbyists, who gave lawmakers surveillance and state drivers license photos of eight concealed-weapons permit holders, despite a state law that makes the identities of the 800,000 permit holders confidential.
The idea was to distribute photographs of motorcycle gang members with valid gun permits to show legislators the sort of people who might scare away tourists if they displayed their pistols, according to an investigation by the Orange-Osceola State Attorney's Office.
Of course, they were trying to show the people how dangerous and scary people would all of a sudden be allowed to carry weapons that they normally would not be permitted to, right? Wrong
Neither he nor the other seven motorcyclists had felony records and were eligible for concealed-weapon permits recognized by Florida and 34 other states.
We win because morality is on our side. We lose because our opponents will stoop to lying and breaking the law to do anything they can to protect their bigotry.
Florida Carry is committed to your rights and was first in line to have this investigation opened. If you are a Floridian and value your right to keep and bear arms, please consider joining us today to help restore sanity to Florida gun laws.
Quasi-Hat Tip to Thirdpower who reminded me that I needed to post this.