Wisconsin is one of four states in the U.S. that bans concealed weapons. Governor Doyle recently vetoed the concealed-carry bill, claiming that it endangered public safety, and attempts made by Republicans to override the veto earlier this week were unsuccessful.
Concealed carry is a controversial issue that has sparked much debate and even caused some Democratic legislators to cross party lines. The argument in support of this bill is based on three main ideas: concealed carry deters crime, an individual's right to self defense and the constitutional right to bear arms.
At a glance, concealed carry scares people. Many ask what good can come from allowing people to carry weapons in public places, and many fear its implications for public safety. However, many states that have passed concealed carry have found that it may have an effect contrary to what most would think.
The misconception that this bill will increase violence by putting weapons in the hands of those who mean to cause harm is a stereotype and fear tactic. Under the bill, those who apply for a license to carry a concealed weapon must meet a long list of requirements including an age requirement of 21 or older, undergoing criminal background checks, participating in a training course and various other tests that determine an individual's competency. Data from those states where concealed carry is in effect indicates that permit holders do not create law enforcement problems and that crimes committed by permit holders are a rare occurrence. No state with concealed-carry permits has ever repealed its law.
There is evidence that concealed carry has the opposite effect, that of deterring crime. Several studies have shown that violent crime, homicide, robbery and aggravated assault rates are higher in those states with the most restrictive laws regarding concealed carry. It is suggested that the decrease in crime rates is a result of potential criminals avoiding confrontations due to the fear that their selected victims may possess a weapon and use it for self-defense purposes.
Finally, the concealed-carry bill protects the second amendment right to "keep and bear arms." In an ideal world, this wouldn't be an issue and people would not wish to harm one another. However, those who are qualified to possess a weapon should not be punished for the wrongful behavior of others or denied their constitutional rights. Denying law-abiding citizens the right to carry guns is placing them in the same category as thugs illegally carrying guns.
It is unquestionable that those who possess a concealed-carry permit must also act with a great deal of responsibility — most of them do and this is reflected in extremely low crime rates in those states that grant permits. It is also undeniable that the proposed legislation would require that those who possess a permit must undergo several tests to ensure their background credentials and certification to use and handle a gun properly.
Contrary to stereotypes believed by those opposed to the bill, it would not put guns into the hands of criminals or create anarchy in public places. Perhaps the licensed individual can even act as a protective class by deterring crime and responding to help fellow citizens in dangerous situations. Thirty-seven states have shown that law-abiding citizens can be trusted, and by failing to pass this bill, the thugs illegally carrying guns will not have to look over their shoulders while committing crimes and will sleep a little sounder tonight.
Julia Fieldbinder ([email protected]) is a senior majoring in communication arts.