Q: Is it true that the president and the vice president can’t travel in the same plane?
—Eddie Webster, Douglasville
A: The Secret Service doesn't have a rule that states the president and vice president can't travel on the same airplane or vehicle, but it's often not practical, considering the size of their staffs, security details and media entourage. They also have different schedules. John C. Fortier, the executive director of the Continuity of Government Commission, told NPR in 2010, that he remembers Bill Clinton and Al Gore traveling together after an election, but before the inauguration. "But for the most part, we don't let the president and vice president travel on a plane together," he added. "But of course, they do appear at the same place in the same time, which could be the subject of a terrorist attack or some sort of natural accident."
Q: A recent AJC article about Georgia’s new gun law included a photo of a protester displaying a sign that said, “Elimination of fingerprinting for renewing weapons carry licenses.” I saw no mention of this in the article. Has the requirement for fingerprinting at renewal been dropped?
—Bob Sullivan, Canton
A: Georgia's Safe Carry Protection Act removes fingerprinting requirements when gun owners renew their licenses, but not for the initial background checks. Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal signed the gun bill, which takes effect July 1, on April 23. It also allows licensed gun owners to carry firearms into schools, bars, churches and government buildings.
Andy Johnston wrote this column; Atlanta Journal-Constitution staff writer Greg Bluestein contributed. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
About the Author
