Daniel J. Mitchell: Possible European Collapse Illustrates Need for Armed Citizenry

Forbes Contributor Daniel J. Mitchell discusses the fear of economic and societal breakdown in Europe, and how these (potential) events underscore the need for an armed citizenry.  The article makes the case against gun control using constitutional arguments and the natural right of self-defense.  Mitchell clearly "gets it" when it comes to the Second Amendment.  This is evidenced by the fact that he does not mention "hunting" as an argument in support of the citizens' right to bear arms.

Mitchell's article is well worth reading:  European Economic Crisis Highlights an Increasingly Important Reason to Oppose Gun Control.

Winston-Salem Council of Idiots Bans Lawful Concealed Carry in City Parks

UPDATED:  Copy of the Winston-Salem ordinance banning concealed carry in parks is attached below.

In response to the North Carolina General Assembly's repeal of a statewide ban on concealed carry in public parks, the Winston-Salem City Council enacted a ban on concealed firearms in most City-owned parks.  This means even law-abiding citizens with valid North Carolina concealed carry permits cannot carry concealed firearms in City parks.

The vote, taken during the City Council meeting on November 21, 2011, was 7 to 1 in favor of the ban.  The lone dissenting vote came from James Taylor, Jr. of the Southeast Ward.  Taylor voted against the ordinance because he favors a ban on concealed carry in all public parks, not just most of them as provided in the ordinance.

No word yet on whether the 8 morons councilpersons have figured out how to make the thugs and criminals obey the ordinance.

For more coverage of the concealed weapon ban, check out:  Winston-Salem bans concealed handguns at most parks and North Carolina: Right to Carry Under Attack in Local Parks!

COPY OF WINSTON-SALEM CITY COUNCIL ORDINANCE BANNING CONCEALED CARRY IN PARKS:

Winston Salem Ordinance Banning Concealed Carry

Virginia Background Checks for Gun Purchases Challenged as Redundant

The National Rifle Association and the Virginia Citizens Defense League are lobbying Gov. Bob McDonald to get rid of Virginia's separate background checks for citizens who purchase firearms.  In Virginia, a citizen must pass two completely separate background checks before he or she may purchase a firearm.  As in any other state, a Virginia citizen must be cleared by the FBI-administered National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) before purchasing a firearm.  Then, the citizen must be cleared by Virginia's own background check system.  Citing this redundancy, gun-rights advocates want the state system repealed.

Full Story:  Virginia background checks for gun sales challenged (The Virginian Pilot)

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Florida Concealed Carry Reciprocity

Florida has concealed carry reciprocity with 35 other states. If you have a concealed carry permit from one of the following states, you can carry a concealed firearm in Florida just the same as if you had a Florida concealed carry license:

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
Colorado
Delaware
Georgia
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Michigan
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
New Hampshire
New Mexico
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wyoming

NOTE: Even though Florida includes Vermont on its reciprocity list, Florida does not offer true reciprocity to Vermont residents. Vermont neither issues nor requires licenses to carry. Florida opines that because Vermont does not require permits of residents or non-residents, Florida residents can legally carry a firearm in Vermont. However, Florida reciprocity law requires an out-of-state resident to have a valid concealed carry permit issued by another state. Because Vermont does not issue permits, Florida takes the position that residents of Vermont cannot carry concealed in Florida. In other words, Florida residents can carry in Vermont, but Vermont residents cannot carry concealed in Florida.

Here's the latest Reciprocity Advisory issued by the State of Florida:

Florida Concealed Carry Permit Reciprocity List

Please note that regardless of the law in your State, any person carrying a concealed firearm in Florida must be 21 years-old or older. Some states issue concealed carry permits to persons under 21. Persons under the age of 21 are prohibited from carrying concealed in Florida, even if they have a valid CCW permit issued by a reciprocal state.

For more information about Florida concealed carry reciprocity, you can contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Concealed Carry Law in Mississippi

Mississippi has among the most gun owner-friendly concealed carry laws in the United States.  Most law-abiding citizens qualify for a concealed weapon permit in Mississippi.

Mississippi is a shall-issue state.  This means that the Department of Public Safety is required to issue you a concealed carry permit, provided you meet the following requirements:

(a) You are a resident of Mississippi, and have been a resident for the past 12 months (residency requirement is waived if you have a valid permit issued by another state, if you are an active duty member of the Armed Forces or you are a retired law enforcement officer);

(b) You are at least 21 years-old;

(c) You do not suffer from a physical problem that prevents you from safely handling a pistol;

(d) You have no felony convictions that have not been pardoned;

(e) You do not habitually use alcohol or drugs to the point that your faculties are impaired;

(f) You certify that you desire a legal means to carry a concealed handgun for self-defense;

(g) You have not been declared mentally incompetent or been committed to a mental institution within the past 5 years;

(h) You have not had a felony criminal charge nonadjudicated or held in deferred adjudication status in the past 3 years;

(i) You are not a fugitive from justice; and

(j) You are not otherwise disqualified from possessing a firearm under federal law.

As you can see, the requirements to obtain a concealed carry permit in Mississippi are virtually identical to the federal requirements to possess a firearm.  In other words, if you are able to legally purchase a firearm at the gun store, then you should qualify for a concealed weapons permit under Mississippi law.