West Virginia Governor Vetoes Concealed Carry Bill

what eye thynk:  This argument isn't over; but for now, common sense will prevail in West Virginia thanks to a Democratic governor willing to stand up to the NRA and a Republican legislature. 

Both houses of West Virginia's legislature have Republican majorities.  West Virginia SB347, which would have allowed anyone over the age of 21 to carry a concealed weapon without the fuss and bother of getting a permit, passed the House of Delegates 71-29 and the Senate 30-4.

Governor Earl Ray Tomblin (D)

Governor Earl Ray Tomblin (D) vetoed that bill on Friday.  Explaining his decision, Governor Tomblin said, "Law enforcement officers throughout the state have voiced overwhelming opposition to this bill.  In light of their concerns and in the interest of public safety, I believe a veto is appropriate...We've got to put public safety first."

Delegate Mike Folk (R) disagreed, dismissing law enforcement claims that the bill would put police officers at risk.  "They assume (already) that every person is armed, so the safety issue is not a good argument."

Delegate Mike Folk (R)

Nice to know that Mr. Folk has so little respect for his state's law enforcement officers that he can dismiss their concerns so easily.  I wonder if he would show such a blithe disregard for their safety if he had a family member who was putting his life on the line every time he went to work. 

I believe "the safety issue" is a VERY good argument; and I doubt there is one spouse, one child, one parent of a police officer who would disagree with me.

Monongalia County Sheriff Al Kisner, who also serves as vice president of the WV Sheriff's Association, said his organization was one that urged the Governor to veto the bill.  "I think we need more time to sit down, with everybody at the table, and decide what we all can live with and what we can live without."

In an effort to keep that NRA money flowing, Delegate Folk promises to bring the proposal up again during next year's legislative session.  He plans to do it early enough that the legislature will have time to vote to override Governor Tomblin if he vetoes the bill a second time. 

It's not as if anyone is trying to outlaw guns in West Virginia.  Today, gun owners can walk down the street anywhere in the state and openly carry their weapon--no permit required.  If a gun owner feels the need to carry his ego-enhancer in a concealed manner, that is also perfectly legal in West Virginia--as long as the gun owner gets a state permit.

While that seems like a common sense restriction to me, supporters of the bill argued that the permit, which requires mandatory weapons training and a $100 fee treads on their Second Amendment rights.

Oh, the horror! 

Nobody seems to be gnashing their teeth over requirements that people must take Drivers Ed and pass both a written and practical test and pay a fee to get a drivers license; but then, the NRA hasn't purchased the bureaucrats in charge of that department yet.