Gov. Jeb appeases the gun nuts

[Gentle Giant]

What gets me about the gun lobby (I don't call individual law-abiding gun owners nuts unless I know them personally and can confirm that they're a danger to me and mine) is that they try to block every single reasonable law, regardless of whether it actually affects the right of individuals to own firearms.

For example, this proposed bill about keeping a list of gun owners. Doesn't mean you can't buy, own, or keep a gun. Just means that law enforcement officers have a right to know. Like ferinstance, if police arrive at an address in response to a domestic disturbance, you'd think it would be safe for everyone involved if they knew going in that there probably was a gun in the house. Also, I think adoption agencies would like to be able to know if a couple trying to adopt a baby are gun owners. Not that it would necessarily be a deal-breaker, but you have to know these things.

And god forbid a business be responsible for polluting the environment! I doubt there's a Bush anywhere that gives a rat's ass about the environment. Sure, let's just leave lead bullets lying all around. Maybe a kid will find a round that never went off and bang it with a rock.

Sheesh.

Gov. Jeb Bush signs bills nixing gun range lawsuits and gun owner lists
By Associated Press, 5/13/2004 11:31

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) Gov. Jeb Bush signed bills Thursday that ban police from keeping comprehensive lists of law-abiding gun owners and give gun range owners almost total immunity from lead cleanup lawsuits.

The National Rifle Association praised Bush for signing the bills, both of which were pushed hard by the gun-owners' group.

Under the new law, police and government agencies could be fined $5 million if they keep a list of people who own firearms. The measure doesn't apply to lists created as part of a criminal investigation.

The gun range bill arose out of a lawsuit that sought to force a gun range to clean up lead from old ammunition. Environmentalists say if the lead leaches into the groundwater it can be dangerous.

The measure, which Bush signed in a private ceremony, bans such lawsuits, but requires state environment regulators to set up a protocol for how gun ranges should prevent lead contamination. Among the ideas is the use of lead-free ammunition.

If ranges follow the plan, they can't be sued.

Also, I think adoption agencies would like to be able to know if a couple trying to adopt a baby are gun owners. Not that it would necessarily be a deal-breaker, but you have to know these things.

Why?

[Gentle Giant]

Put it to you this way: If I was an adoption agency dude, among the things I would ask a prospective couple:

. Do either of you have criminal records? If so, please explain.
. Have either of you been arrested? If so, please explain.
. Have either of you experienced substance abuse?
. Have either of you experienced verbal or physical abuse?
. Do you own any pets? (I'd be especially looking for things like snakes)
. Do you own a firearm of any kind? If so, how many? What kind? Do you have a licence for it? Is it safety-locked and stored in a safe place?
. Do you keep fishing tackle, paints, chemicals, and other toxic materials around the house? If so, are they stored in a safe place?
. Are you currently in jihad against the US?
. Do you know Scott Dolan? If so, do you ever agree with him?

Yeah, I can see your point. But I don't own a gun. Does that automatically make me a better parent?

I know several parents who don't own guns, and they're the worst parents in the world.

But I can understand why you would look at it as a safety issue. Sadly there are too many out there that don't properly store their guns.

Do you know Scott Dolan? If so, do you ever agree with him?

Meanie!!!!!

[jesus marion joseph]

If it keeps them away from my house, I'd prefer the police have to guess whether I own a gun or not. Same with potential robbers.

I'd be less inclined to complain about a private adoption agency asking the same questions, as they are not part of the government and, if nothing else, have liability issues to be concerned with (and besides, I can always opt out of adoption if I don't want to share that information with them).

It sounds like the proposed legislation opens up issues that go way beyond gun ownership rights.

[Gentle Giant]

Originally Posted by Scott Dolan

Yeah, I can see your point. But I don't own a gun. Does that automatically make me a better parent?

No, but I do hope both parties in your avatar wear helmets when riding!