Gun Ban Deja Vu
September 21st, 2009 by Steven GardnerSeattle Mayor Greg Nickels’ proposal to ban guns in city parks reminded me of our experience here with gun bans.
The mayor’s proposal would ban firearms, period, from more than 500 city parks and recreation facilities.
Kitsap County had a ban against openly carrying firearms in
parks, but repealed it in July.
TheEither
restriction runs afoul of state law,
according to Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna.
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September 21st, 2009 at 3:15 pm
I guess Mayor Nickels isn’t up to date with what a FEDERAL JUDGE recently ruled, as pertains to open-carry states (which WASHINGTON is):
http://www.examiner.com/x-2782-DC-Gun-Rights-Examiner~y2009m9d9-Federal-judge-rules-police-cannot-detain-people-for-openly-carrying-guns
September 21st, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Why is it that the Federal law makes marijuana use illegal…yet this state voted medical marijuana use legal…in direct opposition of the Federal law? Why is that okay when the open carry/park/Federal conflict isn’t?
Mayor Nickels is right and I would be in the front of the line to petition a NO OPEN-CARRY law for Washington State. What is the point of open carry?
With the concealed weapons permit available for self protection carry, if needed, why do we allow the insecure to stride around in public places – especially parks) showing off their guns?
We’ve been down this road before…open carry in our parks should be illegal….or make parks illegal for children to play in….in my opinion.
I’m a minority here, I know…but, again…Parks should be one place kids shouldn’t be faced with the insecure openly wearing guns for ‘protection’. Protection from being hit by an off track tennis ball, basketball, baseball?
Sharon O’Hara
September 21st, 2009 at 8:35 pm
“Kitsap County had a ban against openly carrying firearms in parks, but repealed it in July.”
I’m afraid you’ve been listening to much to Steve Bauer… The county ordinance banned ALL firearms from county parks; concealed or openly carried.
And Sharon, will you have us believe that you are afraid of the gun when you can see it, but “out of sight is out of mind?”
September 21st, 2009 at 11:28 pm
Mike, Thanks for the correction.
My focus is kids and the parks.
Why can’t the kids grow up and have at least one place where they don’t see folks armed in fear of ….whatever? The point is the kids perception while they’re young and impressionable.
Why do you feel the need to wear a gun in a park? Are you afraid for your safety without an open carry?
Sharon O’Hara
September 22nd, 2009 at 2:26 am
Mike,
You are correct that the Kitsap ban was on all firearms, concealed or not. Thanks.
Steven Gardner
Kitsap Sun reporter