So I was thinking about a couple of things this afternoon.
The first is Heller, the gun rights decision that came down today. It does not take away any rights, or open the door to such. But some people think it could make the anti-gun crowd more active.
The second is the Kennedy v. Louisiana decsion from yesterday, in which the Supreme Court held as evidence to support its decision the fact that most states were not exercising their rights, so therefore maybe that right (to execute child rapists) doesn't exist any more.
And that reinforces my long-held view that it is crucially important that everyone -- even if you don't have a gun! -- gets a concealed carry permit, if you think we should have the right to keep and bear -- not just in our homes, but in public -- arms. If a million people have permits, the state will be far less likely to try to take that right away.
Washington is a shall-issue state, meaning unless there is a specific reason in the law why you can't have a permit to carry a concealed weapon, they must issue it to you within a set time period, upon receipt of your paperwork, fees, and so on.
If -- I shudder at the thought -- Gregoire wins re-election, I have no doubt that many Democrats will be coming after our gun rights (along with the income tax and other leftist agenda items they've been holding off on until after this election). But that effort won't get anywhere if we exercise our rights now.
And if we have that many people with permits it also removes the main argument against licensure: that it gives a list of gun owners to the government. Sure, there's a legitimate fear that with hundreds or thousands of people on the list, they could come after those people specifically. But hundreds of thousands? Millions? At some point it is beyond their control.
You protect your rights by exercising them. So get your license. You don't even have to carry a gun with you: just protect your right to do so. If you don't, you might lose it.
Cross-posted on <pudge/*>.
Posted by pudge at June 26, 2008 03:38 PM | Email ThisI've debated getting the permit, just for the sake of having it even though I only have a rifle right now, but at the same time I hesitate to spend the money because I'll be moving out of country within a year (bah, to Canada, I'll kiss my rights goodbye, for what? Oh, for marriage. I supposes it'll be worth it. ;-)). Hmm.
Posted by: DK on June 26, 2008 04:13 PMTime to go see the helpful people at our local Sherriff's office and apply... And then maybe I'll finally get that 9mm Glock I've been thinking about.
Posted by: Ken Sletten on June 26, 2008 04:14 PMWA Dept. of Licensing Webpage on Concealed Pistol License
WA Concealed Pistol License Application
Thanks!
Posted by: DK on June 26, 2008 04:25 PMBasically you go to your police chief or sheriff, if you don't have a police chief, and it costs $55 for the first five years, and $32 to renew.
Posted by: pudge on June 26, 2008 04:25 PM$55, fingerprints, and a background check through your local police jurisdiction. It's good for five years.
And Ken, might I recommend an Springfield XD for your consideration? Costs the same as a Glock, same general concept... but a few more minor safety features and a lot more ergonomic.
Posted by: Mike H on June 26, 2008 04:28 PMAlthough if Gregoire / Obama get elected, I think I will get an AR-15 next, because no telling how much longer I'll be able to.
DK: yep, state law specifies it. I live in unincorporated Snohomish County, so I went to the Sheriff's office.
Also, consider having your spouse do it! Friends, family, neighbors ... CPLs for all!
Posted by: pudge on June 26, 2008 04:37 PMI've already started a SCAR-L fund for the same reason.
Posted by: Mike H on June 26, 2008 04:45 PMHowever, two things.
First, most people don't want to carry openly, for obvious reasons.
Second, there is no license needed for it. By getting licenses we can send a quantifiable message to the state's anti-gun left that they cannot take away our rights.
That said, I guess if one million people started carrying openly, that would send a pretty strong message too. :-)
Posted by: pudge on June 26, 2008 06:30 PMAnd also there is www.Glocktalk.com if anyone needs Glock information.
Posted by: ajday on June 26, 2008 07:28 PMIt's a glorious day for us bitter clingers.
Great line. :-)
I live in Oregon and have a CCW from that state. If I go across the river and get one from Clark County, is that not good in King?
Jack Van Nostrand
A CCW from Oregon is NOT good in WA, or vice versa. WA allows only CCWs/CPLs from states that offer as much freedom as WA does, and Oregon ... doesn't.
IIRC.
I can, however, use my WA CPL in Michigan!
Posted by: pudge on June 27, 2008 08:29 AMThank you for the comments regarding the information available to the police officers at a traffic stop. I applied for my CCW about a month ago (an extremely easy procedure, btw) and should receive it soon.
Now it is off to take the home defense course at Wade's! Wade's website promises a concealed carry class soon as well.
Posted by: iconoclast on June 27, 2008 10:59 AMI only asked about a separate King County CCW.
I realize I'd have to go the Sheriff in Clark to get one for Washington. If I do will it be honored in King?
Jack Van Nostrand
A Washington CPL is a Washington CPL. Each police jurisdiction is responsible for issuing them to the folks that live in that jurisdiction. But it's all the same permit that applies to the whole state. Also, I'm not sure you can get a WA CPL since you don't live in the state. I would double check with the Clark County Sheriff, but I'm pretty sure you can't.
Posted by: Mike H on June 27, 2008 12:40 PMJack Van Nostrand