California Seeks to Ban Open Carry of Firearms

Sacramento, Ca.- A bill by assemblyman Anthony Portantino, D-Pasadena, that would make carrying an unloaded firearm illegal in the state of California passed in the assembly last month and now has won approval from the public safety committee in the senate. I suppose it is the goal of the public safety committee to ensure that only criminals carry guns.

According to the Ventura County Star, Portantino said. "There are problematic issues of guns carried in public," This loophole should be closed. You do not need a weapon to buy a cheeseburger or a cup of coffee."

Brandon Deshazo, a gun owner and resident of Thousand Oaks, Ca. Vehemently disagrees:

"I am obviously outraged at the arrogance of this remark. It doesn't matter if a person needs a gun or not, it is his right to carry one." Deshazo told me. Open carry actually prevents crime, A would be criminal will obviously think twice before he commits a crime where one is openly carrying a firearm."

To no one's surprise the bill has the backing of the state police chiefs association. The founders ensured 2nd amendment rights to protect us from both the robber and the tyrant. Is there any wonder the tyrant is vigilant in his mission to disarm the citizen?

The Ventura County Star quoted Emeryville, Ca. Police Chief Ken James as saying, "It puts our officers in high-risk situations unnecessarily."

Really? Allowing law abiding citizens to do something in which they have a natural right to do is an unnecessary burden to the people we employ for the sole purpose of protecting our rights? It is a sad state of affairs when we so eagerly let the government disarm us in the name of protection. Where is Ben Franklin when you need him?

Oak Park, Ca resident Sophia Chang offered me this advice: "This is what happens when we elect the same morons over and over no matter how grossly they screw up the economy or trample individual rights. Call your local representative today and demand that they start looking for another job. Wake up California!"

The measure was approved on a 4-2 vote along party lines, with only majority Democrats in support. It next goes to the Appropriations Committee.