The 43-member gun-safety task force that Gov. Gina Raimondo created last April has released its final recommendations. And it neuters Second Amendment rights for all Rhode Islanders—most of all law-abiding Rhode Islanders who own guns. I’ll make two points.
First, the recommendation “Prohibits the concealed carry of firearms on the school grounds and within 1,000 feet of elementary or secondary schools and in government buildings.” Why don’t they just put a banner on the front of all schools “Welcome to Our School We’re Unarmed.” I have always felt that school administrators should do quite the opposite and publicize that they are armed to the teeth, even if they’ve never owned a firearm. Why invite trouble?
Second, I have an Attorney General issued concealed carry license. I can tell you it is not issued to any Joe walking in off the street. It is a process. Why ban this law abiding group from schools? It makes zero sense. Quite the opposite in fact, because it removes from the playing field those most adept at protecting children. Killers wanting guns will get their guns.
Politicians like Raimondo are the reason you need to get your guns and your training now.
Gun-rights advocate and state Rep. Michael Chippendale is skeptical:
The Governor’s panel is nothing more than a group of select people who she has relationships with, or are beholden to her and also have a predisposed political position on the issue sitting around and going through motions that the governor hopes will appear to support her ideological position on the issue.
By the way, what does the draconian rule suggested on gun possession around schools do to the many Rhode Islanders who already own guns and live nearby schools? Will they be forced to give them up or leave their homes?
