Political Insider

By gary

July 14, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

shirley & ben should repeat us govt 101.they don’t seem to understand who interperts law, and who enforces law….

7

By Over the Rethugs

July 14, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

I wonder how Mr. Bearden would react if an angry constituent marched into his office armed to the hilt… Bet he’d change his thinking then!

By Go Sonny GO!!

July 14, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

Excellent!! Shirly and DeCosta think they are above the law… we’ll see.

By Ira

July 14, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

Big talking punks from Carrol County and that fat pig of a Governor should shut the F up.

Your time is coming to an end.

By SonnyLiedHaha

July 14, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

This idiot won’t let me buy alcohol on Sunday, but will let people with guns into the airport. Hmmm, I never knew using red wine to marinate something on Sunday was such a detriment to our society.

By JBL

July 14, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

Over The Rethugs, if an angry constituent came to see Bearden armed with the intention of possibly using a concealed weapon, then that constituent would be performing a criminal act. As we all know, criminals don’t care if the law bans guns or not, they’ll still be armed.

By No Longer VP

July 14, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

Well, there went his VP nod.

By Tray

July 14, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

What a dumb ace governor. The man says alcohol is bad, but are guns much better. While the current law states that firearms should be legal in the airport’s unsecured areas, i mean, come on, is carrying a gun there really necessary?

Anyways, Perdue is an idiot, an overreligious zealot who is trying to force his beliefs on to anyone and everyone. By not changing the liquor law, he’s forcing his religious beliefs on all of us!

God help us (and him) if he ever tries for any higher office…

By Roy

July 14, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

The Right Answer to the Right Question in the Right Time. Self Protection is our Right, The City of Atlanta (Mayor nor Airport Manager) can’t simply say otherwise… This isn’t New Orleans where a Mayor can deprive Law abiding Citizens of our Rights.

By Aimstraight

July 14, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

Parking lots rank up there with quick stops as dangerous places. Just check the AJC last week, a Ga. State student was raped in a parking lot. Also, how many ex-Atlanta mayors are in jail now? Think they know best? Not me.

By Brian

July 14, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

how about we allow guns in every statehouse during legislation…..regardless if the poli’s are there or not……

Gov. Perdue is so stupid

By Aimstraight

July 14, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

Roy is absolutely correct. Ira and Brian, you guys need to review your constitutional rights, and while you are at it, clear up your fuzzy thinking too. You boys got jobs? Not.

By Larry

July 14, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

Thank you Governor Perdue. Your endorsement is appreciated. Now, an Amicus Brief would be great. :)

I (for the life of me) can’t understand the mindset that wants to prevent socially responsible people from being able to protect themselves. It is especially troubling since we see the harm criminals perpetrate on law abiding citizens every single day. If you want to ball up and play dead, that’s your option, but at least allow those of us who are tired of reading about criminals killing our friends and family a chance.

We are not part of the problem, but if you’ll let us, we can be part of the solution, not because we’re vigilantes, but because criminals are cowards and if they know an honest criminal might dispatch them to the here after, they might think twice before committing their dastardly deeds. Even those bent on destroying others and then themselves might be stopped before a tragedy such as Virginia Tech occurs.

Quit letting emotion rule your lives and try a logical thought for a change.

By City Slicker

July 14, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

I wonder if Chairman Franklin and company believe to know the law better than the author who wrote House Bill 89 AND the Governor that affirmed it.

Thank you Gov. Perdue for weighing in on the matter. If only my Mayor were able to discern between criminals that use guns illegally and peaceable citizens that hold firearms licenses as you are. Instead, we Atlantans have to watch as our scarce tax dollars are directed to the Atlanta law firm of Alston & Byrd instead of respecting the law as written into Georgia Code on July 1. Instead of using the funds that are being wasted on someone’s big city law practice to fight a losing battle, we could keep Atlanta Fire House #7 open and fill the vacant police appointments at Atlanta PD. But no, that makes too much sense.

The mayor would have us suffer through even longer emergency response times so that she can pursue her flawed personal agenda to disarm the law abiding for the transgressions of the criminals. What does she care? She has her personal security attachment to ensure her safety in the face of criminal aggression. All of us lowly serfs be damned if we aren’t fortuitous enough to be a public official. And isn’t the city attorney’s office charged with handling all legal matters for the city? We pay their salaries to provide legal council to the city. So why has the Mayor hired five expensive, private practice attorneys to dispute that which is clearly legal? No wonder city hall is in a $140 mil shortfall!

City Hall should endeavor to control the criminals who are carjacking and robbing people on Atlanta’s streets instead of vilifying the law abiding for perfectly legal conduct. Give us more cops and firemen instead of wasting our money trying to fight GA CODE 16-11-127.1 as revised by HB 89.

By CC

July 14, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

Thank you Gov. Purdue.

It is great to hear from higher ranking politicians that think clearly. Your endorsement of this issue is fantastic. It is too bad that the Mayor has not seen the light and is bent on giving the criminals the upper hand.

Law abiding citizens to not want to storm into politicians offices “armed to the hilt” as one comment said. They want to protect themselves and their families from those who don’t obey the law and want to do them harm. The law abiding citizens have a right to protect themselves, they are not looking for a fight.

Keep up the good work Governor.

By Aimstraight

July 14, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

Larry, and City Slicker, I congratulate you on the best comments I have ever read in the AJC blog. Great Job!!!!!!!

By Capt Bill

July 14, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

Larry and City Slicker: Most of us have been trying to say what your two articles articulated. Those that take the time and expense to get permits are not the ones that the general public has to care about. Thanks again for your great articles.

By bsusean

July 14, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

I am so tired of hearing this argument that we need to carry guns in order to defend ourselves. They have guns and you have guns…what is going to happen in a criminal situation? Are you going to get in a shoot out in the middle of the airport atrium? How many innocent people will be killed now by “responsible”, overzealous gun owners who are not trained to handle criminal situations where guns are involved?

By latter_day_hippie

July 14, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

I am glad that the Governor made an explicit statement on Monday that he feels that individuals with Georgia Firearms Licenses should be permitted to carry them in non-sterile portions of the airport. However, what many do not seem to realize is that he already said it when he signed HB89 into law in May. The issue at hand is not “should guns be allowed in the airport.” Rather, the issue at hand is “can Mayor Franklin and Mr. DeCosta are at liberty to disregard the law when it suits them to do so?” I rather suspect that the Governor’s response to that question (and most law-abiding citizens’) would be a resounding “NO.”

By New South Lady

July 14, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

Now I have heard everything!  Sonny think’s it is OK to carry guns in “non-secure” areas of the airport.  Well, evidently he has not figured out that with a gun toting populace in the airport, there will be no secure area’s in the airport.  Has anyone asked the Federal Air Marshals what they think of this.

As I walk through the airport to get in line to enter the “secure” part of the airport, from now on I will be looking over my shoulder and wondering if some demented previously undiagnosed schizophrenic is about to try to shoot his way on to the concoursel.  Or, perhaps the scenario will be something like this — a crazed gun toting drunk will take out his personal fit of pique on a poor ticket agent because his flight has been cancelled.

Personally, though I am generally pretty easy going, there have been a couple of times Delta has tempted me.

Oh yes, it is really safe to have people carrying guns into the airport, into crowds with children, families, air crews all packed together like sardines, as potential targets in the sights of some idiot’s gun and the misguided belief that he can effect social change with a few well paced rounds. 

Maybe I can take to traveling by cruise line rather than airline.

New South Lady

By JW

July 14, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

Relax people, its Georgia. Just let it go. This is what happens when a single party controls the mansion and the state houses. Such a situation removes debate or comprimise and allows for the silly and mundane.

If only we could get some action to things that really matter like childrens health, water, education.

And for all you cowboys who think that you and your wives are going to stop a mugger with your guns, don’t fool yourself. We are not talking target practice. I suspect many of our toters will find themselves being shot by their own guns or having them stolen. Today’s thieves are not scared of a little handgun. Theirs are bigger and have been used.

By Peg

July 14, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

My goodness! I don’t understand why all these people think it’s better to disarm INNOCENT LAW-ABIDING citizens. Don’t they realize this puts the guns in the hands of the bad guys - and the good guys have no way of protecting themselves in the “safe” parking lots of the airport and Marta?

In a perfect world there would be no guns and no reason for the debate. But this is far from a perfect world. Sorry guys! The law is on the side of the lawful people who are PERMITTED to carry firearms.

By Larry

July 14, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

bsusean, you say “who are not trained to handle criminal situations where guns are involved?” If this is not simply your emotions talking, please provide your source.

By Benjamin Lichtenwalner

July 14, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

The Governor realizes the importance of personal liberty and the critical nature of self defense. For all those who wish to rely on the police to act as Superman in the nick of time, the cryptonite of this particular issue would be the fact that the purpose of law enforcement is to enforce the law, and not to provide 100% security. Guess what…. that’s YOUR job. It’s called responsibility.

By mcctti

July 14, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

Thanks Gov. Purdue!! Maybe now we can use this as a stepping stone to rid ourselves of the “public gathering” language in Ga. firearms law.

By gafarmer

July 14, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

Check the crime rates for Washington D.C. and compare them to most any place in this country. The D.C. gun laws are the most resrictive in the nation and the rates for most crimes resulting in bodily harm are among the highest.

Guns don’t commit crimes, criminals without fear of intervention do.

Thanks Larry and City Slicker, the truth can’t be stated better.

By LW

July 14, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

Thank you Gov. Perdue!!! It’s refreshing to hear an opinion that uses logic and common sense for a change. I am one of the 3% of the population that has a carry permit, and I am a VERY law abiding citizen. I don’t understand the logic of people that think just because HB 89 was passed and signed into law that I’m suddenly going to go crazy and decide to shoot up the airport and restaurants, etc. WAKE UP PEOPLE, the bad guys are already in these places with their guns. Those people do not have gun permits, nor do they care what the law says. The criminals LOVE “gun free zones”, to them that translates to “easy targets”.

By Dave Fitzgerald

July 14, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

I for one am glad to see the Governor realizes that those of us with GFL’s are law abiding citizens - not the thugs we’re made out to be by many politicians. The right to protect oneself is inherent to being an American and it’s important for everyone to note that this is what we’re doing - protecting ourselves and our loved ones.

Thank you Governor Purdue for supporting the law and the people in the great state of Georgia.

By Benjamin Lichtenwalner

July 14, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

I like how JW make criminals out to be superheroes. “Don’t fool ourselves that we couldn’t stop a mugger”? Perhaps you’ve forgotten about military men like myself, or perhaps you’ve forgotten about the concept of liberty which allows for a single man to learn any skill (including marksmanship) and utilize that skill in self defense. You think a criminal who likely shoots a firearm sideways is going to disarm someone who treats firearms seriously?

By Tim

July 14, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

Thank you, Gov. Perdue. Let me point out one thing that the mayor and others can’t seem to recognize. I would like to board the MARTA train in Sandy Springs, travel to the airport to meet my wife coming in on a late flight, meet her at baggage claim, and then return via the MARTA train. How many of you would feel absolutely safe trying this on a Saturday night at 11PM? I would prefer to be armed so that I can protect myself and my family, should the need arise. That is just one example of why HB89 was signed into law on July 1st.

By Jim

July 14, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

I’m glad Sonny Perdue signed this into law and also made the law clear by his statements. People deserve the right to protect themselves. There’s nothing a criminal hates worse than someone that’s armed and ready to defend themselves.

By Ken Roberts

July 14, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

People need to stop with the knee-jerk reactions to this issue. The question is allowing guns in the UNSECURED areas of the airport, i.e. the areas prior to the metal detectors. This does not change anything at all for criminals or terrorists, who could easily carry a concealed weapon up to these points even if it were illegal.

Thank you Gov. Perdue for standing up for the truth, even in the face of ignorant political attacks. You’ve gained a lot of respect in my book.

By Bill Tuttle

July 14, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

I don’t always agree with Governor Perdue, but it is nice to see a calm, reasoned opinion on this. Just because Atlanta doesn’t like the law doesn’t mean they can ignore it contrary to what Decosta and Franklin seem to believe.

The people you need to worry about aren’t going to pay any attention to the law anyway. Statistically, you’ve got a better chance of an off duty police officer coming in and shooting up the place than a Georgia Firearms License holder.

By MikeR

July 14, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

Thank you Gov. Perdue for supporting our right to self defense. The hysterical cries of the “anti-everything” types will soon fade as their predicted disaster fails to materialize, and they move on to some other freedom to assault.

The airport is a big place in a crime ridden city, and I have never seen a Police Officer way out in the boondocks where I have to park. Now I can legally protect myself and my family.

The mayor should get to work on the REAL problems in Atlanta, instead of trying to usurp State Law and divert attention from her failures.

Finally, crime statistics from around the country show unequivocally that firearms permit holders are some of the safest and most law abiding folks in society. How many people who have commented here have been (voluntarily) fingerprinted and had their criminal and mental background checked and approved? Criminals DO NOT obey laws and no ban or restrictions on firearms ever stopped a murder or armed robbery. Now, at least, the good people of this state will be allowed to defend themselves.

By Ron

July 14, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

I will begin by thanking Governor Purdue for his logical thinking concerning guns at unsecured areas of the air port and Representative Bearden for his continuing battle. What most people don’t realize is those that obtain Georgia Firearms Licenses must go through a background check. This check is for any violent criminal history and ensures only law abiding citizens are granted a firearms license.

By Tommy

July 14, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this

Ok, we get it, some people don’t like guns. We understand they scare you and make you feel insecure, but please don’t try to take away the civil liberities of other people.

By Scott Duluth, GA

July 14, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

Honorable Bearden said it well, “Three percent of the GA population has CCW permits and they are the safest of the safe.” Are you really worried about US? Who would you rather have with you if something horrible happened in the airport parking lot. A citizen serious about self defense and protecting people or an emergency phone box? Personally I’d like the option to defend myself and not have to rely on a 911 call or a scream for help.

By George from Georgia

July 14, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

New South Lady and JW- there is so much wrong with your thinking, you scare me more than any law abiding firearms permit holder ever will! Crazed Dunks shooting up the airport? Really? My wife unable to defend herself with a gun? Seriously, where do you get this stuff?

Victimhood thinking like yours has allowed the brutal and lawless throughout history to do as they please, from slave owning to disenfranchisement to the murder of defenseless students in their own classroom.

I don’t carry a pistol to make social change, I carry one because it is my right as a free man to defend myself and others. Even you guys.

By John

July 14, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

I fully agree that license holder should not be denied the right to protect themselves in the non-secure areas of the airport. Traveling to and from the parking lots, as well as the park and ride lots, one passes through areas high in criminal activity. The city does not have the legal right to restrict the right granted to us by both the federal and state constitutions.

By Dan

July 14, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

I can only agree with Governor Perdue’s rational and entirely legal opinion that guns should be allowed in some, not all, but some areas of the airport. State permitted CCW individuals are the last people you need to worry about taking reckless action with a firearm. Lets worry about the criminals instead.

By Ted

July 14, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this

Thanks Governor Perdue for your support. It’s too bad you have had to come back on record to explain a law that you have already passed.

By Dave_In_a_Cave

July 14, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this

Whether you like it or not, it is the law. The law specifically says that an airport area other than past the security checkpoint is on limits. You have a permit, you can carry there….end of story.

Gov. Perdue is right on this, and GCO and Rep. Bearden are right on this, Ben DeCosta and Shirley Frankilin are wrong.

By TheDon

July 14, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

most crimes are crimes of opportunity. Calling a place a “Gun free zone” is a lure for these opportunistic criminals. When they enter such an area, they know that every law-abiding citizen will be disarmed this text will be boldedi.e. easy prey.
Not every criminal encounter involves the firing of a weapon. Many criminals will try to intimidate people with their physical stature or with a knife or blunt object: Show them you weapon and they will vanish. Why do so many people approve of victim-disarmament?

By City Slicker

July 14, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this

JW, if you have flown recently, there’s a good chance that you were in the presence of an armed citizen. Over 40 states of the US allow airport carry in non-sterile areas, and there are millions of Americans licensed to carry concealed weapons. Right here in Georgia there are about 300,000 people licensed to carry a firearm in either an open or concealed manner. As a demographic, these people have a lower rate of criminal infraction than even law enforcement.

As you can see, Georgia hasn’t enacted law that attempts to do anything that isn’t already permitted in other states without one iota of negative impact on the greater public’s safety. Georgia Firearm License holders, along with licensees from other states whose licenses are recognized by Georgia and are therefore allowed to carry here, aren’t the people you have to worry about. We have respect for the law and carry our firearms responsibly. Do try and not confuse us with the low-lifes of the world who shoot and rob indiscriminately. Those are the people of which you should indeed be wary.

I live in East Atlanta. When I travel to or from the airport, I am on the freeway for 90% of the way. This is usually in the late evening hours, edging up to midnight. If I am not allowed to arm in the parking lot, I remain unarmed until I get home. This is unacceptable as the path to my doorstep takes me through several residential areas which feature high concentrations of violent crimes against people in the public. I am keenly aware of the savage nature of many people who may look like me but are without a shred of decency in their moral fiber and I will NOT leave it up to them to decide if I live or die in an encounter that they’ve initiated.

There are those who feel that going about unarmed is preferable and morally superior to choosing to take responsibility for one’s safety. That’s fine by me. But I will not have my wife widowed because all that I had at hand to deter a lethal encounter were pointy words and a slow to respond Atlanta 911 call center. Have you dialed 911 recently? Many times a recording is what awaits you on the other end. When seconds matter, the police are only minutes away, if they answer at all. That will not do as my children and spouse need and deserve more of me.

I hope that you will respect the personal choices license holders make for the preservation of their life and family unit as we do yours to leave your personal safety up to chance. Truly, there’s no need for words meant to belittle gun carriers. As we are all adults in spite of our difference of opinion, let us have civilized dialogue on the matter so as to learn more of why we hold the respective opinions we have, instead of further polarizing the issue more than it already is. I am willing to listen to logic even if it goes counter to my beliefs.

By Milton

July 14, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

Looks like the libs are on this for sure! Next they will tell us which laws should be obeyed. Oh they already have! Go Guv!

By Mike Dobbins

July 14, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this

Thank You Mr Perdue for standing by the legal right for a CCW Permit Holder to carry and protect themself if needed, even in the airport. You will get my support anytime you need it. Sonny for President in 2012!

By Joe

July 14, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this

Thanks Sonny. Georgia lags behind most States in allowing licensed permit holders to carry in non-sterile airport areas.

Law abiding gun owners aren’t criminals, they aren’t terrorists, and gun control doesn’t work. Personal responsibility and self reliance do work.

By Its the Law

July 14, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this

The mayor and airport manager claim that “another” law prohibits carrying at a public gathering, and have designated a building as a public gathering. Two problems, one a building isn’t a public gathering whereas the Dogwood Festival is and second it’s the same code section just the new law AMMENDED it. Its not a new law just a change to an existing one. On that note, anyone care to guess why guns are banned at public gatherings? Because the white man was afraid of blacks having them a long time ago. Its wasn’t enacted as a public safety thing…

By TBILL

July 14, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

God Bless Governor Perdue for using common sense and obeying the will of the People of Georgia. Queen Shirley and her elitist lefist ilk will not be satisfied until she reigns supreme and the Dictator, she desires to be so greatly. Her and Osama Obama’s grand plan to addict the masses to the government teat and then rule supreme using it to bend all the “unclean masses” to their will is quite evident by her flagrant disregard for the rule of law. The 1st Amendment Elitists should wake up and realize the 2nd Amendment is what puts teeth in the 1st and when they help kill those rights they are signing their own death warrant. I suggest reading “The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich” the full blueprint is right there and the leftist elite is following it step by step and this time there will be no bastion of Freedom as the USA to stop the fall. We cannot allow the Lefist Elite to demonize our right to self defense and to defend our freedom from all enemys foreign and domestic. We threw off the yolk of elitist oppression using the strength and courage of the “Common Citizen” that Queen Shirley and Osama Obama find unworthy to participate in the shaping of our own destiny. We are simply uneducated, unsophisticated, and in their minds too simple minded to do antthing but carry out their orders from up on high. Queen Shirley your 24/7 armed guard cannot protect you from a determined electorate bent on using their own rights conferred by God and confirmed by the Bill of Rights. The only thing you have to fear from this law is the loss of some of your dictitorial overblown ego to the Free Citizens of the State of Georgia. Which in your mind is the worst possible result.

By TBILL

July 14, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

God Bless Governor Perdue for using common sense and obeying the will of the People of Georgia. Queen Shirley and her elitist lefist ilk will not be satisfied until she reigns supreme and the Dictator, she desires to be so greatly. Her and Osama Obama’s grand plan to addict the masses to the government teat and then rule supreme using it to bend all the “unclean masses” to their will is quite evident by her flagrant disregard for the rule of law. The 1st Amendment Elitists should wake up and realize the 2nd Amendment is what puts teeth in the 1st and when they help kill those rights they are signing their own death warrant. I suggest reading “The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich” the full blueprint is right there and the leftist elite is following it step by step and this time there will be no bastion of Freedom as the USA to stop the fall. We cannot allow the Lefist Elite to demonize our right to self defense and to defend our freedom from all enemys foreign and domestic. We threw off the yolk of elitist oppression using the strength and courage of the “Common Citizen” that Queen Shirley and Osama Obama find unworthy to participate in the shaping of our own destiny. We are simply uneducated, unsophisticated, and in their minds too simple minded to do antthing but carry out their orders from up on high. Queen Shirley your 24/7 armed guard cannot protect you from a determined electorate bent on using their own rights conferred by God and confirmed by the Bill of Rights. The only thing you have to fear from this law is the loss of some of your dictitorial overblown ego to the Free Citizens of the State of Georgia. Which in your mind is the worst possible result.

By matt harrell

July 14, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

Once again our Governor has reinforced the reason I voted for him in the first place. Common sense and respect for the Constitutions of the US and Ga. Unlike Mayor Franklin who continually refuses to acknowledge laws she personally dislikes. Maybe if she would follow the law and stop losing lawsuit the city would have a firehouse it desperately needs.

By J Greenwood

July 14, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

The Mayor and the airport manager don’t have to run the gauntlet that we mortals do. Traveling through the airport’s parking lots from the car to meet someone at baggage claim or riding the bus and train to the airport from Marietta is something their positions shield them from. The police are too busy making sure nobody parks in the white zone to be patroling the parking areas and the MARTA drivers won’t protect us (they have demonstrated that many times in the past). We are left to our own devices. Thanks Sonny for letting us protect ourselves.

By GunOwner

July 14, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

Of course he thinks it’s a good idea. That’s why he signed it into law! The legislature has spoken. The governor has signed it. The bill became a law.

Carrying at the airport is legal. If you don’t like it, you can write your legislator and vote accordingly.

Mayor Franklin and Ben DeCosta have declared that they will ignore the law and order police officers to violate their oath of office by arresting people who have committed no crime.

That’s not how it works in this country.

By redvette

July 14, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this

To: Governer Perdue From: Free and law abiding Georgians

THANK YOU

By Sacko Vanzetti

July 14, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

A chicken in every pot and a bazooka in every bosom

By hmarty

July 14, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this

I think if someone came into Tim Bearden’s office armed to the hilt, the better think twice. I’m sure Rep. Bearden has a permit and if I had to put my money on it, he’s probably carrying his weapon and damn sure knows how to use it! Rep. Bearden is a true Patriot and when he runs for Governor of the State of Georgia, he has my vote. Keep the faith, stand strong, hold their feet to the fire!

By Gunsmoke

July 15, 2008 2:42 AM | Link to this

Well of course the Governor thinks it’s OK for people with pistol carry permits to be armed while they travel to or from the airport, outside of the federal security checkpoints. That’s the law. House Bill 89. He just signed it recently. He could have vetoed it or allowed it to become law without his express approval. But he signed it.

The new law changes the “public gatherings” clause in the old law, to no longer apply to public transportation facilities (again, only for GFL holders, who had to pass a background check to get those licenses). Who can say with a straight face that the airport terminal is not a public transportation facility? The new law specifically made reference to those parts of the old law that apply to firearms in transportation terminals and mass transit vehicles, and the new law said that these provisions shall not apply to GFL holders. So that’s that. The City doesn’t have a legal leg to stand on. But they think that the law doesn’t apply to them, and in this “post-911 world” the Mayor can basically make up her own law as she goes along, and do whatever she wants as long as it’s “for the children” or for “public safety.” Mayor, what makes the public safer is cracking down on criminals, not proven law-abiding gun permit holders. What makes the public safer is having more public safety personnel on the streets, instead of laying them off due to the City’s budget crises while wasting taxpayer dollars paying a team of laywyers your unlawful and stubborn actions.

P.S. I think the terminal building itself is “safe enough” to suit me, even if I were unarmed. But it’s that long walk through the dark parking lot at midnight when I come back from a red-eye flight…. it’s that drive home from the airport, where I might have to stop for gas, or the ATM. It’s on the way home where I might be targeted for a carjacking at a traffic light, or where I might have engine trouble and end up stalled on the side of the road in a rough neighborhood, alone, at night. THAT’S when I want my gun with me, in my car, not left at home just to avoid bringing a firearm anywhere on airport property.

By Shamalama

July 15, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this

JW said, “If only we could get some action to things that really matter like childrens health…”

Sir, why do you think I carry a firearm in the first place? Part of the reason is my children’s health, as well as the health of my wife and of my grandchildren.

I have learned that a cell phone, even one with 911 on speed dial, is of little effect on crime. A cell phone simply tells the police where to find the dead body. And I am disheartened to know that you would prefer to watch someone attack your loved ones instead of taking the initiative and learning how to legally and effectively defend them yourself.

New South Lady , frankly I don’t care what the Air Marshalls have to say about this. They are responsible for the aircraft, not anything on the public side of the screening area.

And you also said, “… from now on I will be looking over my shoulder and wondering if some demented previously undiagnosed schizophrenic is about to try to shoot his way on to the concourse …” Do you do the same while in line at McDonald’s, or buying detergent at Kroger, or pumping gas at QuickTrip, because I carry daily at those places, and so does my wife. I really wish you were more paranoid about those that have proven themselves to be criminals than those of us that have proven ourselves to be law-abiding.

I remember many of these same arguments in the 60s, just substitute the word “black” for “gun owner”.

By John Harwood

July 15, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this

I think the governor should send a State Trooper with Rep. Tim Bearden to the Atlanta airport and arrest anyone who trys to search Tim.

By Beezer

July 15, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this

Thank you Governor for understanding that armed law abiding citizens pose no threat and understanding that citizens learning how to legally and effectively defend themselves is an asset to the state of Georgia and the Nation.

By Mike Riley

July 15, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this

Finally!! A politician that will take a stand for the everyday American’s rights. Thanks Sonny, like you, my families safety is too important to take what might be a socially correct stand on this matter. It’s the law, Atlanta politicians should live with it.

By Jason

July 15, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

It really shocks me that anti-gun people really haven’t put a lot of thought into their opinions. Really, take the time to actually READ the Constitution and try and appreciate all of the text within it that allows you to have the opinions you do and to state them on this website. The right is the same as the right the 2nd amendment guarantees.

Armed society is polite society. Check the crime stats in Kennesaw after they passed their city ordinance to have all homeowners to keep and maintain a firearm. They went down, criminals don’t want to go anywhere that the targets might be armed. DC has proven this for years. Its just foolish, ignorant and downright blind to see it any other way.

To boot people that think GFL holders are going to get into a shootout anywhere are nuts. The LAST thing I want to do is get into ANY confrontation. Confrontations should be avoided if possible, but if forced entered as though you are a mouse, but realizing you are armed like a lion. I practice at least once per week with my handguns, I can almost guarantee I shoot better than most law enforcement officers as I do NOT want to miss should I be FORCED to shoot. Re-read that, I said FORCED to shoot, it is the very last resort.

These points are all where anti-gun people just aren’t thinking about their opinions. I don’t worry about what is probable, I worry about what is POSSIBLE. Is it probable that I’ll need to defend myself, no. Is it POSSIBLE, yes it is, so I have a GFL. In the unlikely occasion that you are attacked, what will you do to defend yourself helpless victim? The crime will be over before 911 even processes the call.

By Rob in Columbus GA

July 15, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

After reading some of the anti-gun comments I am sad. Some go so far, with such a lack of common sense, that it frightens me to know there are people out there who would actually take away my ability to fight back and protect my life or that of my children. Any woman who is against carrying a gun between the parking lot and the terminal has never encountered a threat during that walk. Ask my wife, who was attacked and raped in the ATL parking deck in 1996. Ask her what she does to stay safe and she’ll show you her Kimber .45

By jim dunn

July 15, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

i totally agree with Gov. Perdue and thank him for his support on this most important right that every law abiding citizen has. The right to bear arms that can be used to protect family, neighbors and oneself!!! thanks. God Bless the U.S.A.!!!

By GA Resident

July 15, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

Thank you, Gov. Perdue, for taking the first steps toward putting peaceable Georgia citizens back on an even playing field with those who ignore our current crop of laws.

I appreciate that Sonny allows me to take care of my self and my own family without need for government services to intervene on my behalf.

If it comes time to meet force with force, I am comforted knowing that I am free to exercise my right to keep and bear arms in defense of that which I hold dear.

The ‘sky-is-falling’ crowd will always hold true to their knee-jerk emotional responses: change is bad… guns are bad… and that cherished old adage, “Do it (or stop doing it) for the Children!!!

Logic and reason proves that there is no reason I -or any other GFL holder- should not carry a sidearm where ever and when ever we please. Carry in non-secured areas of the airport happens everyday in 40 other states in the Union with no disastrous results, why do the nay-sayers think Georgia is any worse than those other 40 states? Those of us with GFLs are not the danger.

By WRJ

July 15, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

Thank-you Gov. Perdue for supporting one of the fundamental reasons we as US citizens live the wonderful life we now have and enjoy. That fundamental reason is the right to own and carry firearms whether for hunting, target shooting or personal protection.

I think the fact that US citizens possessing firearms in great numbers is one of the biggest reasons that the “good ole USA” has been able to maintain it’s safe and secure status we’ve enjoy for so many years. An enemy (whether working from outside or inside US border’s) of the USA not only faces defeating the military and police forces but would also have to defeat millions of US firearm owner’s before they could claim defeat. Whether you agree or disagree, I think plain fact would show that given those odds, it would have to be a major obstacle in the their way.

Again, thank-you Gov. Perdue for backing HB-89 and helping preserve our right’s which allow us to enjoy this wonderful land. A heavy price has been paid by our realitives and friends of yesterday and today to keep these freedom’s in force and we dare not dishonor them.

New South Lady, about cruises and safety, remember the Achilles Lauro? In 1985 I bet someone on that cruise might have been very happy to have a firearm handy. Point is, gun bans only take guns out the innocent person hands, not the bad guys hands. How plain is that?? It’s true and no matter how you anti-gunners hate this statement, you can not change this well-known fact.

By Ira

July 15, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

Sheesh.

When’s the last time any of your gun nuts acutally flew out of Hartsfield or picked someone up there?

The parking lots are a lot of things but they are not dangerous. Yes, they are a pain in the a$$, too far away, and sometimes smell bad… Boo friggin’ hoo.

I hope you all show up with your guns and try to assert your rights and get your a$$ handed to you.

By stephen from ga

July 15, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

As a member of www.GeorgiaCarry.org I’d like to point out a fact that that the article did not contain the proper info about a Georgia Firearms License. The GFL is not a concealed license at all, but to carry a Firearm in Ga at all either openly or concealed you must hold the GFL OR a license from another state that GA. grants Reciprocity to. The Ironic Part of this whole matter is Atlanta and its disregard for the rule of law and Civil Rights Violations. The Irony being that Atlanta. was pretty much the birthplace of the modern civil right movement. Atlanta. has already lost once to GCO over the same exact thing, but it concerned the city parks. And they have a standing decision in the Ga. court of Appeals against Coweta County. What Atlanta fail to acknowledge is that the firearm laws are uniform across the state due to preemption. That way if i visit Timbuktu its the same as Down town Atlanta. In fact GCO had Glynn County repeal its illegal ban here. If you would like to clear up the mistake that was printed about the gun laws I welcome you to also visit the site www.georgiapacking.org. GPDO has the gun laws in plain English for the layman readers and in the Legalese for those that want to read both. Also keep in mind the article didn’t mention it, but the carrying of a firearm by Licensed individuals is already legal in 43+ state in the NON secure areas of the airports, so this is nothing new that Atl is facing. It is legal under federal law, you are allowed to “check” you firearm if boarding a plane if traveling etc.

thanks stephen from ga

By Shane

July 16, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Just another hillbilly law that is extreamly distastful. Its not the wild west anymore, you cant go around just shooting people. The bill of rights does not pertain to our culture in the 21st century. Not to mention, would you feel comfortable in a bar/resturant if you knew 50% of the people there getting drunk had guns. This is absolute nonsense.

By Shane

July 16, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Just another hillbilly law that is extreamly distastful. Its not the wild west anymore, you cant go around just shooting people. The bill of rights does not pertain to our culture in the 21st century. Not to mention, would you feel comfortable in a bar/resturant if you knew 50% of the people there getting drunk had guns. This is absolute nonsense.