Post by BoW GaCAman on Mar 24, 2015 8:12:14 GMT -5
Law Enforcement Boss Admits Gun Rights Activists ‘Schooled’ Him On His Concealed Carry Position
Though trained in proper firearms use and expected to face potentially deadly situations on a daily basis, law enforcement professionals are far from unanimous in their advice for citizens preparing for their own defense. As retired police officer – and current head of the Maryland State Police Licensing Division – Jack McCauley proved, a difference of opinion can occur even within an individual. Scroll down for video of his address.
Prior to his retirement, McCauley was an adamant opponent to proposals that would give Marylanders access to concealed carry permits. His entire position changed, however, after he took the initiative to educate himself even further on the motivation gun owners have to secure such permits and the impact concealed carry laws have on crime.
He addressed his change of heart recently in remarks before members of the Maryland Senate earlier this month, offering a candid overview of his previously held opinion.
“These crazy people,” he said, “these Second Amendment activists, they’re all going to want these – they’re trophies. They’re going to want these permits; it’s going to be scary. Dangerous people are going to be getting guns. Just any Joe Citizen is going to get a gun.”
Upon further investigation, however, McCauley admitted that his initial fears were unfounded. He recalled conversations with gun rights groups and the impact they had on his internal revision.
“When I met them,” he explained, “they schooled me. They not only schooled me – they embarrassed me. They humbled me. I was wrong. I was completely wrong.”
Unsatisfied with merely hearing from concealed carry supporters, McCauley said he committed himself to attaining a thorough understanding of the issue.
“When I say I studied it,” he said, “I mean I slept two hours a night studying it; and I found out some staggering information about handgun permits and what was going on. My fears were not justified.”
www.westernjournalism.com/law-enforcement-boss-admits-gun-rights-activists-schooled-concealed-carry-position
Though trained in proper firearms use and expected to face potentially deadly situations on a daily basis, law enforcement professionals are far from unanimous in their advice for citizens preparing for their own defense. As retired police officer – and current head of the Maryland State Police Licensing Division – Jack McCauley proved, a difference of opinion can occur even within an individual. Scroll down for video of his address.
Prior to his retirement, McCauley was an adamant opponent to proposals that would give Marylanders access to concealed carry permits. His entire position changed, however, after he took the initiative to educate himself even further on the motivation gun owners have to secure such permits and the impact concealed carry laws have on crime.
He addressed his change of heart recently in remarks before members of the Maryland Senate earlier this month, offering a candid overview of his previously held opinion.
“These crazy people,” he said, “these Second Amendment activists, they’re all going to want these – they’re trophies. They’re going to want these permits; it’s going to be scary. Dangerous people are going to be getting guns. Just any Joe Citizen is going to get a gun.”
Upon further investigation, however, McCauley admitted that his initial fears were unfounded. He recalled conversations with gun rights groups and the impact they had on his internal revision.
“When I met them,” he explained, “they schooled me. They not only schooled me – they embarrassed me. They humbled me. I was wrong. I was completely wrong.”
Unsatisfied with merely hearing from concealed carry supporters, McCauley said he committed himself to attaining a thorough understanding of the issue.
“When I say I studied it,” he said, “I mean I slept two hours a night studying it; and I found out some staggering information about handgun permits and what was going on. My fears were not justified.”
www.westernjournalism.com/law-enforcement-boss-admits-gun-rights-activists-schooled-concealed-carry-position