From: [R L BUSAALL] at [aol.com] To: Multiple recipients of list <[f--o] at [Mainstream.net]> Subject: CCW article in local paper 3-25-96 >From Robert to the reader 3-26-96 Here is the latest entry from the local newspaper, the Springfield News-Leader. This is a AP press release so, no repost for commercial purposes. Here goes the Conceal-Carry Issue in the state of Missouri. Start below the dotted line. Hang in there, we will get CCW in Missouri someday. That is, if the folks in office don't wear down the attitude of the people to keep on fighting for the legislation. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Story date: 3-25-96 Springfield News-Leader ------------------------------------------------------------------ SENATE PONDERS CONCEALED GUNS LAWMAKERS WILL DEBATE THE EMOTIONAL ISSUE THIS WEEK FOR THE FIFTH STRAIGHT YEAR JEFFERSON CITY -- Debbie Cook has a plea for lawmakers: Give her the legal right to defend herself with a concealed gun. "There are a lot of crazy people out there, she told the senate last week. "I hope I never have to use it, but if the time comes when I need to, I want to have that option," said Cook, a St. Joeseph resident helping urge lawmakers to pass a bill allowing Missourians to apply to carry concealed guns. But Senate Majority Leader J.B. "Jet" Banks believes concealed guns would worsen the gun violence in his home area. Banks plans to wear a pair of toy pistols during the gun debate, as he did last year. "People are shot and killed in my district nightly. I go to so many funerals," the Democrat from St. Louis said. "If you can show where increasing guns on the streets will cut crime, I will be the first to vote for it." Both points of view will be aired this week as the Missouri Senate once again debates legalizing concealed guns - an issue making its fifth annual appearance before lawmakers. Self-protection isn't the supporters' only argument. Some feel it is a basic right to be able to carry a hidden gun. "Our country was won by God, guts and guns and I believe in that attitude," said Ben Lear of Garden City, another who visited the state-house. Despite the cry to have Missouri join 42 other states in allowing concealed guns, the bill faces a major stumbling block: a promised veto by Gov. Mel Carnahan. The only way to avoid a veto is the highly unlikely prospect that Carnahan will change his mind - or that the bill bypasses the governor's desk by going on the statewide ballot. The notion of having an election on concealed guns is opposed by the bill's backers. "You don't put civil rights to a vote of the people. This isn't speed limits or gambling. It is a fundamental right of the people," said John Ross of St. Louis, president of the Missouri Legislative Issues Council. But a statewide vote may be necessary to get the bill passed in the senate, said its sponsor, Danny Staples. "I don't want to have a referendum, but if it will keep it from failing or being vetoed, then I will accept it," said Staples, D-Eminence. "It would pass on a statewide vote, no doubt about it." Carnahan has suggested that Missourians would reject concealed guns. If the bill passes the Senate with an election attached, it may run into opposition in the House, which last year stripped a referendum from a similar bill. "I'm opposed to a referendum. I'd rather it not be there," said Rep. Wayne Crump, who will handle the gun bill in his chamber. Crump, D-Potosi, said that if the issue goes to a statewide vote, he may push a state constitutional amendment to lock in the right of Missourians to carry concealed guns. "The legislature is not going to change that much in the next four or five years. We might as well settle this thing once and for all," said Crump, a former deputy sheriff. Another change Banks wants is to exempt the cities of St. Louis and Kansas City from the bill. Without that exemption, Banks said he will try to kill the measure. "We understand the problems of the cities better than the other legislators do," said Banks. "I want to protect where I live." Last year there were 204 homicides in St. Louis and 108 in Kansas City. Through last Thursday, there were 41 killings in St. Louis and 35 in Kansas City.