Compiled by Courier Staff
From now on Nov. 1, 2011 will go into the history books as the day that Wisconsin officially joined 48 other states in becoming a concealed carry gun law state. The reaction to this new law on the books is to each extreme. Some hate it, and some love it, there doesn’t appear to be much on the indifference side.
State Representative Leon Young (D-Milwaukee) has chosen the option that many businesses are also choosing to prohibit the practice of the law in his State office.
According to Young, “the application of the concealed carry law presents a myriad of logistical challenges and is a real confusing proposition for the public.” “Just look at the situation at the Capitol,” Young lamented, “The Senate wants to prohibit concealed carry in its gallery, but visitors to the Assembly
would be permitted to carry their weapons. This is a real mess!”
The State of Wisconsin Department of Justice estimates that it will issue at least 100,000 permits in the first year, approximately 50,000 in the second year, and may issue more than 200,000 over the 5 year period.
Those in favor of the law have another view, the organization called Wisconsin FORCE ( Firearm Owners, Ranges, Clubs, and Educators), Inc. state that it is time to celebrate the restoration of a sacred firearm right. However, they already see a problem, Wisconsin FORCE president Jeff Nass says, “It is important that we do not lose sight of the problems with the administrative rules. The law is very clear as to what training is required, and the Attorney General has overstepped his authority. We highly suggest that his department put their energy into implementing the law, not rewriting it.”
On Oct. 31 an informational session was held by Ald. Coggs, Sen. Spencer Coggs, Rep. Elizabeth Coggs, and Rep. Leon Young. Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm was there to answer questions that still have many residents confused over the new law. Chisholm assured citizens that even with the addition of this law, the laws of gun usage will still be enforced. Shooting someone in “self defense” will still face the same scrutiny that it has always faced.
Milwaukee County Supervisor Eyon Biddle, Sr., said, “The Governor and Legislature feel good about putting the public’s safety at risk because of the powerful financial interests of the gun lobby. I would like to congratulate them for that. They have ignored democracy, jobs, access to quality affordable health care, voting rights, felons rights, human rights, and the ability to collectively bargain…all for gun rights! Milwaukee’s Chief of Police, District Attorney, and other law enforcement have all expressed concerns about this law decreasing public safety, but the Legislature is ignoring them and obeying the gun lobby instead. Excellent!”
Now, in addition to liquid (alcohol) courage, people have gun courage to add to the many festivals, college parties and bars around the city. Stay tuned.