Procedure at the state capitol

[gemini]

Separate entrances for groups, separate entrances for CHL'ers, separate entrances for individuals and or families, separate entrances for our scared senseless representatives and their employees, metal detectors, x-ray machines, additional staff to man and enforce the new machines and all the needless rules that will be in place. Total hysteria. Over reaction would be an understatement.

DPS? They suggested this? Weren't they the ones in charge of protecting the Governors mansion? Oh, I forgot..... that got torched on their watch.....

Folks this is 10 steps backward. I'm ashamed of the law makers that endorsed this idea. Cowardice and chicken poop. I don't care which party they are associated. This will eventually set precedence for the rest of the state. Not good, not good, not good.

[O6nop]

I have every confidence that the DPS or APD will come up with something similar to a Nuisance Abatement to restrict CHLers from entering the Capitol grounds at all.

There will more than likely not be metal detectors in place by the 17th since the article says within the next 45 days. And, let's face it, all that is required is to show your CHL to the person at the metal detector, and be allowed to walk around the unit, or even pass through and they ignore the beep. It ain't that hard to do.

What was required before? Why is it OK to single us out from all other citizens? Why are we wiping our brow because it isn't worse? Why are we going backwards? Who are we protecting with this new rule (inside,outside, what difference does it make?)?

[Keith B]

I have every confidence that the DPS or APD will come up with something similar to a Nuisance Abatement to restrict CHLers from entering the Capitol grounds at all.

There will more than likely not be metal detectors in place by the 17th since the article says within the next 45 days. And, let's face it, all that is required is to show your CHL to the person at the metal detector, and be allowed to walk around the unit, or even pass through and they ignore the beep. It ain't that hard to do.

What was required before? Why is it OK to single us out from all other citizens? Why are we wiping our brow because it isn't worse? Why are we going backwards? Who are we protecting with this new rule (inside,outside, what difference does it make?)?

Well, you can believe what you want, but until the state statute is changed, they cannot prohibit CHL holders from entering the capitol building. I agree it is not the way we would like to see it. Unrestricted access was great, but like happens a lot of times, one bad apple spoiled the whole bunch and the powers at be did a knee-jerk and they are now restricting access. Bottom line, it is what it is. Admittedly you will now have to go through a couple of extra steps to get access, but let's face it, we could be like other states where you can't carry in government buildings at all.

[joe817]

There will more than likely not be metal detectors in place by the 17th since the article says within the next 45 days. And, let's face it, all that is required is to show your CHL to the person at the metal detector, and be allowed to walk around the unit, or even pass through and they ignore the beep. It ain't that hard to do.

Yup, yup. No big deal.

[texas1234]

I just talked to a few staff members at the Capitol who are pro-gun and pro-chl. They do not want to see access denied to CHL holders, but like me they completely agree something needed to be done about the security up there, it has been dismal for a very long time, and it wasnt just one incident it has been numerous incidents where security has failed in even the most basic forms, and it is not fair to the staff for them to work in a high profile atmosphere like a State Capitol and not have more protection and be completely open to any crazy person who wants to walk in their office and do damage. I understand everyones view on not wanting the State to start imposing locks and chains on everything, but the reality is we dont live in that world and something needed to be done up there to enhance security and help protect the visitors, staff, and legislators. I do understand the metal detectors are not fool proof but they definately help. The Marine in me says its about time and thank goodness they are at least trying to do something before somebody gets hurt. On a purely ideological level no I dont want metal detectors but the common sense part of me says you dont have a choice.

[O6nop]

I just talked to a few staff members at the Capitol who are pro-gun and pro-chl. They do not want to see access denied to CHL holders, but like me they completely agree something needed to be done about the security up there, it has been dismal for a very long time, and it wasnt just one incident it has been numerous incidents where security has failed in even the most basic forms, and it is not fair to the staff for them to work in a high profile atmosphere like a State Capitol and not have more protection and be completely open to any crazy person who wants to walk in their office and do damage. I understand everyones view on not wanting the State to start imposing locks and chains on everything, but the reality is we dont live in that world and something needed to be done up there to enhance security and help protect the visitors, staff, and legislators. I do understand the metal detectors are not fool proof but they definately help. The Marine in me says its about time and thank goodness they are at least trying to do something before somebody gets hurt. On a purely ideological level no I dont want metal detectors but the common sense part of me says you dont have a choice.

Am I just beating a dead horse here? We don't 'live in that world' because we are letting the government take it away. And the question that never seems to get answered is why is it more important to protect these people inside the building then leave them to fend for themselves once they set foot outside? If the answer is "because they can", then where will it stop?
"pro-gun" and "pro-chl" seem to have different meanings to everyone.

[Keith B]

I just talked to a few staff members at the Capitol who are pro-gun and pro-chl. They do not want to see access denied to CHL holders, but like me they completely agree something needed to be done about the security up there, it has been dismal for a very long time, and it wasnt just one incident it has been numerous incidents where security has failed in even the most basic forms, and it is not fair to the staff for them to work in a high profile atmosphere like a State Capitol and not have more protection and be completely open to any crazy person who wants to walk in their office and do damage. I understand everyones view on not wanting the State to start imposing locks and chains on everything, but the reality is we dont live in that world and something needed to be done up there to enhance security and help protect the visitors, staff, and legislators. I do understand the metal detectors are not fool proof but they definately help. The Marine in me says its about time and thank goodness they are at least trying to do something before somebody gets hurt. On a purely ideological level no I dont want metal detectors but the common sense part of me says you dont have a choice.

Am I just beating a dead horse here? We don't 'live in that world' because we are letting the government take it away. And the question that never seems to get answered is why is it more important to protect these people inside the building then leave them to fend for themselves once they set foot outside? If the answer is "because they can", then where will it stop?
"pro-gun" and "pro-chl" seem to have different meanings to everyone.

Yes you are beating a dead horse in trying to tell us something I think we all really agree with. Most of our posts have been realistic answers to 'What happens now' and 'how do you deal with the change', not the 'We can't let them do this, they are trampling on our rights' statements that we all know is happening.

My question is, what are you going to do to show your displeasure with their move other than make your posts here? I plan to call Senator Shapiro's office, as well as the new state rep primary winner Van Taylor and tell them I am not happy with the move. I don't think calling Brian McCall's office will do any good at present since he is a lame duck. We already know that Gov. Perry was against it, but he will hear from me also.

Now, realistically, will it get them removed? Probably not, so let's look at what is more than likely going to be the outcome: You show your CHL and they let you pass and you meet your family on the other side of the metal detectors. End of story.

[Dragonfighter]

My question is, what are you going to do to show your displeasure with their move other than make your posts here? I plan to call Senator Shapiro's office, as well as the new state rep primary winner Van Taylor and tell them I am not happy with the move. I don't think calling Brian McCall's office will do any good at present since he is a lame duck. We already know that Gov. Perry was against it, but he will hear from me also.

Accountability is a bear. I hate it when I complain and someone says what are you going to do about it.

[texas1234]

I just talked to a few staff members at the Capitol who are pro-gun and pro-chl. They do not want to see access denied to CHL holders, but like me they completely agree something needed to be done about the security up there, it has been dismal for a very long time, and it wasnt just one incident it has been numerous incidents where security has failed in even the most basic forms, and it is not fair to the staff for them to work in a high profile atmosphere like a State Capitol and not have more protection and be completely open to any crazy person who wants to walk in their office and do damage. I understand everyones view on not wanting the State to start imposing locks and chains on everything, but the reality is we dont live in that world and something needed to be done up there to enhance security and help protect the visitors, staff, and legislators. I do understand the metal detectors are not fool proof but they definately help. The Marine in me says its about time and thank goodness they are at least trying to do something before somebody gets hurt. On a purely ideological level no I dont want metal detectors but the common sense part of me says you dont have a choice.

Am I just beating a dead horse here? We don't 'live in that world' because we are letting the government take it away. And the question that never seems to get answered is why is it more important to protect these people inside the building then leave them to fend for themselves once they set foot outside? If the answer is "because they can", then where will it stop?
"pro-gun" and "pro-chl" seem to have different meanings to everyone.

Yes you are beating a dead horse in trying to tell us something I think we all really agree with. Most of our posts have been realistic answers to 'What happens now' and 'how do you deal with the change', not the 'We can't let them do this, they are trampling on our rights' statements that we all know is happening.

My question is, what are you going to do to show your displeasure with their move other than make your posts here? I plan to call Senator Shapiro's office, as well as the new state rep primary winner Van Taylor and tell them I am not happy with the move. I don't think calling Brian McCall's office will do any good at present since he is a lame duck. We already know that Gov. Perry was against it, but he will hear from me also.

Now, realistically, will it get them removed? Probably not, so let's look at what is more than likely going to be the outcome: You show your CHL and they let you pass and you meet your family on the other side of the metal detectors. End of story.

[gemini]

I just talked to a few staff members at the Capitol who are pro-gun and pro-chl. They do not want to see access denied to CHL holders, but like me they completely agree something needed to be done about the security up there, it has been dismal for a very long time, and it wasnt just one incident it has been numerous incidents where security has failed in even the most basic forms, and it is not fair to the staff for them to work in a high profile atmosphere like a State Capitol and not have more protection and be completely open to any crazy person who wants to walk in their office and do damage. I understand everyones view on not wanting the State to start imposing locks and chains on everything, but the reality is we dont live in that world and something needed to be done up there to enhance security and help protect the visitors, staff, and legislators. I do understand the metal detectors are not fool proof but they definately help. The Marine in me says its about time and thank goodness they are at least trying to do something before somebody gets hurt. On a purely ideological level no I dont want metal detectors but the common sense part of me says you dont have a choice.

I see now. They are a "special" little segment of our society and need "special" treatment. Great. The several incidents line of thinking..... gee, maybe the unspecial guys that work in 7-11's, Circle K's, Quick Marts etc that see a whole lot more "special" incidents than anyone at the state capital need metal detectors and xray machines too. Yea, I get it now. The staffers are pro-gun/pro-chl but only if it excludes / includes them at their whim. Kinda like being a 1st Ammendment supporter but not a 2nd or 10th, or, I support some but not all ammendments..... either put both feet in the tub or get out.

' Keith B wrote = "My question is, what are you going to do to show your displeasure with their move other than make your posts here? I plan to call Senator Shapiro's office, as well as the new state rep primary winner Van Taylor and tell them I am not happy with the move. I don't think calling Brian McCall's office will do any good at present since he is a lame duck. We already know that Gov. Perry was against it, but he will hear from me also.

Thanks for the kick in the pants. I'll be calling or emailing Austin tomorrow. I agree, why just vent here, do something about it.
At least let your opinion be known.

[O6nop]

Here's a reality check.
You can carry a long gun into the Capitol and you don't need any kind of license, concealed or otherwise, to do it. So the metal detectors deter nothing. They have to let you pass. Even if you are not a model citizen.
So we open it up to the next step - ban long guns. Nice! But there is great news.... ummm, maybe not.

ETA: Which brings up another point -

Per state law there cannot be a CHL exemption unless the legislature is in session and posted 30.06. So, they will have to provide a method for a CHL'er to carry past the metal detectors.

This didn't stop APD from announcing that anyone carrying a long gun at the 2nd Amendment march will be arrested although it is perfectly legal

[A-R]

Here's a reality check.
You can carry a long gun into the Capitol and you don't need any kind of license, concealed or otherwise, to do it. So the metal detectors deter nothing. They have to let you pass. Even if you are not a model citizen.
So we open it up to the next step - ban long guns. Nice! But there is great news.... ummm, maybe not.

06nop, GREAT link. Thanks for including it. Very interesting discussion with Mr. Patterson, for whom I have enormous respect.

But does anyone else think he just pulled a "Debra Medina" and broke the law by intentionally unconcealing his weapon for the cameras?!?!?

[KD5NRH]

My question is, what are you going to do to show your displeasure with their move other than make your posts here?

I'm on my way to take copies of the article to several of the other local pro-gun loudmouths. With any luck, we should get 8-10 calls off to Dewhurst and Strauss tomorrow, and I'll get letters going to them. If everyone else will do the same, maybe we can get the point across.

[chabouk]

06nop, GREAT link. Thanks for including it. Very interesting discussion with Mr. Patterson, for whom I have enormous respect.

But does anyone else think he just pulled a "Debra Medina" and broke the law by intentionally unconcealing his weapon for the cameras?!?!?

No. His office is definitely property he controls.

[texas1234]

Gemini, you mean this convenience store worker with bullet proof glass surrounding him, yeah the hard working wives, daughters, sons, and even those that serve in our military that work at the capitol dont have this.

This debate is stupid! Over and out!