Who would have thought it? In these days of nuclear physics, genetic engineering, space travel, and a host of advances by
humankind we have lurking in the dark valleys of the Ozarks a state Representative who thinks we should return to the
days of the Wild West.
Rep. Mark Martin (R, Neptune) submitted a bill to the Ark Legislature today which allows open carry of handguns, machine guns
and any other lawful weapon.
"Several legislators suggested they might vote for the bill if it required some sort of permit or training for open carry, but Rep. Martin firmly resisted making a change. He argued that such a requirement would place a financial burden on impoverished people. The poor who couldn’t pay would be unable to exercise what Rep. Martin considers a constitutional right to bear arms in the open. In response to the comment that anyone who owns a gun can also afford a training course, Rep. Martin responded that a gun might be inherited or earned from some sort of program.
“[A fee] would have a chilling effect on people who were discriminated against before,” Rep. Martin said in reference to the 19th century slave laws he cited to justify the necessity of open-carry legislation."
Be of good cheer readers. He's thinking of our children:
Only in the Ark Legislature, only from a Rwingnut check outThough Rep. Martin did not agree with these criticisms, he pulled the bill down for amendment to ensure that it would not be legal for children to wield a gun.
John Williams report.
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