This letter, forwarded to us, was originally sent to Rush Limbaugh. We appreciate the point, which of course is consistent with the sentiment of our founding fathers who wrote the Constitution.
Rush,
It is not often that I am forced to agree with a communist but I must agree with this one and I’m sure you do as well. Mao Tse Tung stated: “Political power comes out of the muzzle of a gun.” Before firearms it would be true that political power came from the edge of a sword or the tip of an arrow or spear. Weapons have always been the instruments of political power.
The Aurora, Colorado theater shooter wielded political power in that crowded setting and ruled supreme for those few moments. The shooter ruled because the populous was disarmed. The attendees had no political power because none among them had guns in their possession to maintain their political power. The theater is a “gun free zone” for everyone except the one who has political power; in that case the criminal. So it would be if Americans were to be disarmed. The criminals would have the political power.
Roger Deevers
Tucson, Arizona
An authoritative article providing information on Colorado’s concealed carry regulations, legislative history, and their implications regarding the Aurora shooting is provided by David Kopel in National Review. Read it here. FYI the Iowa Concealed Carry law essentially incorporates the “naked man rule” which is explained by this excerpt from the article however our appeal process may be wanting:
“. . . Colorado law . . . allows the sheriff to make discretionary denials — if the discretion is properly applied. The sheriff may deny a carry-permit application if the sheriff “has a reasonable belief that documented previous behavior by the applicant makes it likely the applicant will present a danger to self or others.” In case of a denial, the applicant can appeal to a court, and the burden of proof is on the sheriff.”
“This provision is informally called “the naked man rule,” meaning that the sheriff can deny a permit to the man who sits naked in his front yard, muttering about the Martians, but who has a clean record.”
