Annie Get Your Gun

Chalk another win up to the gun nuts:

"Republican leaders in the state Assembly worked into early this morning to amend a measure that would allow Wisconsin residents to carry concealed weapons and rounded up enough Democratic support to fuel an override of the expected veto from Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle. The bill, SB 403, passed the Assembly at 3:10 a.m. on a 64 to 32 vote. In the marathon session that dragged on because of long breaks lawmakers took to strategize, the Assembly also voted 74 to 23 to end the automatic annual increase in the gas tax beginning in April 2007. Wisconsin’s gas tax is one of the highest in the nation, and current law would raise it to 30.7 cents per gallon next April and to 31.3 cents per gallon in spring 2007."

"The Assembly adjourned just before 4 a.m."

"Rep. Scott Gunderson (R-Waterford) said he thought the amendment, which passed 71 to 25, was enough to sway some Democrats into sticking with the majority in a veto override. Gunderson and other supporters say the bill will reduce crime and make Wisconsin safer. "It’s important for people to be able to protect themselves," Gunderson said. " [JSOnline]

Wonderful. Thank you democratic assembly members for joining with the republicans to pass this monstrosity. Sure, Doyle has promised to veto (thankfully), which would still require a 2/3 vote, which they think they may be able to override. I have absolutely no problem with people owning guns. The Constitution protects the right to bear arms. BUT NOT IN PUBLIC! Why do you need a gun? Do you hunt? Fine. Why do you need a handgun? WHY? I'd like a good reason. Is there a reason for people other than police and military to own a handgun? Is there? Please share this with me, because I'm not buying this "protect themselves" garbage.

If someone from the State Assembly could answer me: What are your legislative priorities? People are starving, living on the streets, or can't afford their heating bills to stay warm...Christmas is coming, and you vote to pass a bill that would allow people to carry weapons. We're so worried about another terrorist attack...what about those in our own nation? What about the police that are on the street. I don't want to see them getting shot at and killed because someone got pulled over in a random traffic stop. WHERE ARE THE PRIORITIES!?