You misread it. Here's what he wrote:Dadtodabone wrote:Mr. Lott takes Texas to task on handgun licensing, where none is required, and mistakes the CHL for general licensing. While I respect Mr. Lott and his research in general, this is a glaring error that undermines my confidence in him.
He uses the word "permit" but he's referring to the Texas CHL license.The impact of fees and training is no different with concealed handgun permits. Texas has four times Indiana’s population, yet it has issued only slightly more permits, 584,000 versus 450,000. The difference is not because Texans like guns less. It is simply that Texans have a more difficult time getting permits. The fee for getting a 5-year permit in Texas is $140, but only $65 in Indiana. Similarly, Texas requires 10 hours of training and Indiana doesn't require any.
More importantly, his point is not only valid, but it is a HUGE opening for Republicans. Pointing out that the Democrats are deliberately and consciously making it more difficult for poor people to defend themselves could drive a serious wedge between Democrats and their main constituencies and open up the possibility, in the minds of the poor, that the Democrats really DON'T have their best interests at heart.