Packing heat in Idaho

Last week, Idaho's new concealed gun carry law went into effect. Basically, anyone who is 21 years old or older and a resident of Idaho, can now carry a concealed weapon in the state. Few restrictions apply.

The law does not require any permitting process. It does not require any training or education.

Strangely, Idaho residents are still required to pass driving tests to operate a vehicle, and the state still requires licenses to even fish or hunt.

Yet, as of July 1, there are no requirements for carrying a concealed weapon. Idaho residents can simply stick one in a holster or a pocket and go about their daily business. Idaho residents are welcome to go packing nearly everywhere in the state.

The law makes a strong statement in light of the ongoing debate over guns. As statements go, it is not a good one.

Nationally, citizens on no-fly lists can still buy guns. Still, the limits on types of guns and sizes of magazines are virtually unlimited. Congress cannot even agree on these issues.

In contrast, California has passed gun control laws, basically just the opposite of Idaho's laws and much more decisive than the national effort. California has proposed rigid, restrictive laws, so restrictive, in fact, that they could be counter- productive.

The debate is intense and emotional.

Many think that restricting weapons is an assault on the Second Amendment. Unrestricted introduction of weapons into every corner of society is called by others an assault on the very basic tenets of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Not yelling “fire” in a crowded theater is not an assault on freedom of speech. Eliminating some problems with the acquisition and use of firearms should be considered as innocuous.

Many educators, law enforcement officials and even students fought against the opening of unrestricted concealed weapons in Idaho. They, obviously, did not prevail.

America will never and should never make it illegal for its citizens to have firearms, but it should control the right just as other aspects of society are controlled for the safety of the majority.

The contrast between the attitudes in Idaho and California show how far apart advocates on both sides of the gun control debate are. It shows that if anything is to be accomplished both sides will need to work together.

That, based on other debates raging in the country, is not likely. Likely or not, it is urgent.

Gordon Forgey

Publisher