The NRA decided to spend some money in Iowa this year. It's promoting shall-issue and CCW reciprocity. Rep. Clel Baudler has routinely, for years, introduced shall-issue bills. They have been invisible, but the NRA push is generating enough attention to create some small hope.
Reciprocity is probably going no where, we Iowans being very wary of big-city types from Indianapolis and like that coming in with gats in their pants. Our basic sense of fairness breaks down on the point that many other states honor our carry permits while we recognize nothing unless its home-grown, corn fed, and gives a large rat's butt about who won the Orange Bowl.
Shall-issue stands only a slightly better chance. Its primary enemies are Iowa sheriffs who carry substantial clout with the legislature. They are all but unanimous in opposing it for the obvious small-bore reason. Turf.
Aside from satisfying the natural power lust of all politicians, may-issue is an incumbent sheriff's dream. It generates votes and money from those favored with permits or hoping to get one. This isn't to say you can necessarily buy a permit; it's plenty for the poor citizen to think he can.
The practical result of leaving the decision on your right to self-defense up to 99 county sheriffs is, as you would expect, chaotic. Some counties (including mine) are for all practical purposes "shall-issue." Other are screw-you-jack. Still others are shall-issue only if the sheriff is in a good mood, fresh fed and recently laid. Otherwise SYJ.
And since a CCW issued in any county is valid statewide, we have the silliness of carrying Joe from Davenport being legal in Iowa City while the Iowa City resident is forbidden to carry.
If you happen to be among TMR's Iowa readers. please accept this invitation to collar your state representative and senator. It's an election year. Incumbent lawmakers are jittery about November, so these critters may be slightly more prone listen to what citizens have to say.
No comments:
Post a Comment