So I visited the "Express Lane" at the Capitol today...

[O6nop]

I think this is a classic "You can please all of the people some of the time or some of the people all of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time," scenario.

This is true, but nothing is wrong with a healthy debate, and except for those that almost sound like they want some folks to just sit down and shut up, this is a healthy debate. It's good to rebut a statement, but it just seems there's got to be a better solution than how it's setup now.
As far as CHL laws go or 2A in general, I don't think we are as good as we can get, regardless of what other states do. Texas can be a leader and an example. So far, we are following and even falling behind other states. Texas should be a leader.

The law that I referenced, definitely centered on intent to keep CHLers in a confidential situation. We can sit back and worry about what legislation might be passed to hinder us, but more importantly, we shouldn't stop trying to get legislation introduced to improve the situation. Legislators have to know we aren't satisfied, they have to know what we are thinking, otherwise they stop working for us.

[stevie_d_64]

*I think the CHL line should be a staff/journalists/CHL line (which, based on some accounts, it may be; I've simply heard it described as being labeled "CHL"). As previously stated, I don't like the idea of all CHL holders being separated from the crowd and lined up for public viewing.

If that was the case, some of us would not have a problem then, it would just be another dirn hoop we have to jump through, just because...But based upon the original report, I'm not seeing it being a line any capitol "staff" or journalist go through to gain access to this government facility...

Personally, I believe the risk to any facility open to the public will never be able to garner total security...If something terrible happens, then the breakdown and failure unfortunately is with something or someone else, not because (of people like us) this state should respect the privacy, and maturity of people like us who have jumped through the hoops to get this special piece of plastic...

And not because I or anyone else believes we deserve a free bowl of soup for our troubles...

I kinda thought many years ago that when I did qualify for this license, that I would be afforded privacy, discretion per the law in regards to contact with commissioned law enforcement agencies in this state, and not be subjected to any semblance of violation of those provisions at the whim of unelected entities...

I am not a cut and paster of the penal code on this forum very much...I would rather interpret (as best I can) the intent of the law and obey that law because its the right thing to do, and we should expect those that make the law, and enforce the law to do that even better than us...

ELB, I have to tell you, man I am with you...I believe you when you say that this might be a fight we should not engage, just because it may affect some other risks to the CHL law and other pro-gun legislation coming up...But I think it is worth it here...I do not see this as a long-run or short-run risk, but I see it as something placed before us that those who implemented it, do not believe we would fight it...

So if it is removed, then are we back to square one??? No, we are back to where we were before an idiot took a couple of pot shots at the granite walls of our house...He has been dealt with...And in reality no one, including Senator Dan Patrick, has egg on their face, except in their reaction...

There is a solution to this problem...Mitigating the risk is what we all do every single time we carry a firearm for lawful self defensive purposes...

I don't believe any of us should have to make excuses for doing so, or be questioned or scrutinized as to why we do it...It is our descision, it is a personal one, based upon a moral conviction, and a belief in the protection of personal freedom, liberty and as a responsible and accountable citizens of this community, state and country...

I hope in principle at least that we are on the same side...We may choose to fight different battles, but in the long run you and I both would protect eeryone's overall right to keep and bear arms as an unalienable right granted by an authority higher than any government instituted amoung men (and women )...

You know what's funny, here is a situation where the issue appears to be fairly trivial, and unobtrusive...And wee may dissagree on the severity and need to address it from certain points of view...

Yet I know for a fact that when the "big" challenges come up on the radar...We all form a very formidable conglomeration of like minded patriots that will win in the end...

[stevie_d_64]

I think this is a classic "You can please all of the people some of the time or some of the people all of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time," scenario.

This is true, but nothing is wrong with a healthy debate, and except for those that almost sound like they want some folks to just sit down and shut up, this is a healthy debate. It's good to rebut a statement, but it just seems there's got to be a better solution than how it's setup now.
As far as CHL laws go or 2A in general, I don't think we are as good as we can get, regardless of what other states do. Texas can be a leader and an example. So far, we are following and even falling behind other states. Texas should be a leader.

Totally agree...

The law that I referenced, definitely centered on intent to keep CHLers in a confidential situation. We can sit back and worry about what legislation might be passed to hinder us, but more importantly, we shouldn't stop trying to get legislation introduced to improve the situation. Legislators have to know we aren't satisfied, they have to know what we are thinking, otherwise they stop working for us.

I believe some are not working with or for us already, and those that we do dissgree with, if they are politically amiable to the idea that any citizen should have the ability and mechanism to debate and present dissagreements (as has been here, in my opinion, one of the best threads in this forum this year), then that should be the direction we should proceed on...

Some believe this is not that big a deal, I agree that it may not be, but then again, if their is even a slight bit of a problem, then what is wrong with making points, seeing what others may say in rebuttal or dissagreement, I believe that helps everyone define their own personal lines in the sand, so to speak...It makes you stronger, and it may help others who may not engage in the discussion at all...

If I am wrong on this, then there are quite a few people on this forum that know me well enough to know I will admit and accept that reality...

The neat thing is that the beer is ice cold and tasty for both sides at the end of the day...And I'm buying, whether I am right or wrong, because that IS the way I roll!!!

[surprise_i'm_armed]

"Because of a scare with one crazy guy with a gun,
the only way to get quick access to the Capitol will
be to carry a gun.
Now that makes a lot of sense, doesn't it?"

Austin lobbyist Brad Shields, declaring his intention to
register to carry a concealed weapon so he can bypass
long security lines at the State Capitol.
Austin American-Statesman, Wed, 6/2/10
Requoted in the Dallas Morning Snooze, 6/6/10.

The above is another example of the irrational relationships
that antis make about people with guns. The crazy guy would
not have qualified for a CHL. People who get CHL's are not
crazy. Apples and oranges.

Here's what may turn out funny:
Brad Shields may just become a 2A advocate once he gets
his CHL and his handgun.

SIA

[RoyGBiv]

Resurrecting an old thread..

I visited the express lane today... brought a smile to my face that the DPS officer was completely unfazed.
Most difficult parts....??
1. Convincing my wife it would "all be ok"
2. Getting my CHL out of my wallet (I have it tucked in an infrequently used place... it's a tight fit. )

Best parts...?
1. My bag didn't get searched.
2. The DPS officer (a woman) seemed genuinely happy to have me visit.
3. The Capitol building is VERY nice... Really well kept and maintained.

[CHLLady]

Great report, but you forgot one important question. What happens when we go with our kids (age 7 & 9)? Wife and I would go through the CHL line, but can our kids also come through there, or would they have to go through the "regular" line?

Inquiring minds and all...

We are planning on going up this summer sometime to take the kids through the capitol, and I'd like to know what the procedure is before we go.

I have not visited the Capitol yet, but would recommend that your children go with you to whatever line you choose. May I also suggest that one parent goes first, passes "inspection, then bring children through to stay with that parent while the 2nd parent goes through inspection. That way if they require the kids to go through another line, one parent is available to chaperone.

This is how hubby and I have traveled through many airport security checks.

[texanjoker]

Great report, but you forgot one important question. What happens when we go with our kids (age 7 & 9)? Wife and I would go through the CHL line, but can our kids also come through there, or would they have to go through the "regular" line?

Inquiring minds and all...

We are planning on going up this summer sometime to take the kids through the capitol, and I'd like to know what the procedure is before we go.

I have not visited the Capitol yet, but would recommend that your children go with you to whatever line you choose. May I also suggest that one parent goes first, passes "inspection, then bring children through to stay with that parent while the 2nd parent goes through inspection. That way if they require the kids to go through another line, one parent is available to chaperone.

This is how hubby and I have traveled through many airport security checks.

DPS made my son go through the regular line and would not let him follow me through the express line. I did laugh at that.

[Jaguar]

Great report, but you forgot one important question. What happens when we go with our kids (age 7 & 9)? Wife and I would go through the CHL line, but can our kids also come through there, or would they have to go through the "regular" line?

Inquiring minds and all...

We are planning on going up this summer sometime to take the kids through the capitol, and I'd like to know what the procedure is before we go.

I have not visited the Capitol yet, but would recommend that your children go with you to whatever line you choose. May I also suggest that one parent goes first, passes "inspection, then bring children through to stay with that parent while the 2nd parent goes through inspection. That way if they require the kids to go through another line, one parent is available to chaperone.

This is how hubby and I have traveled through many airport security checks.

DPS made my son go through the regular line and would not let him follow me through the express line. I did laugh at that.

Same here - in fact, I took pictures and laughed at him. He is 22 and doesn't have his CHL (yet).

[CHLLady]

Gotta love good photo opportunities. Lol.

[Jaguar]

Gotta love good photo opportunities. Lol.

He's wearing the yellow shirt.