Florida Governor Fends Off Attempt to “Grab Our Guns” – This Information May Just “Make Your Day”
Becky Lou Lacock 09.06.12
Tampa, Florida was the location for the 2012 Republican National Convention. Anticipating the event, Democratic Mayor Buckhorn sent a formal request to the state asking that firearms be banned in the downtown area during the Convention, but Florida’s Governor Rick Scott rejected the request with this profound statement:
Who would obey that law? The good guys, But the idiot carrying a gun to shoot up a crowd, you think he’s going to be deterred? No. All you’ve done is create a target-rich environment.
Our constitutional right to keep and bear arms has long been debated, but it has been under concentrated attack for the last 3 ½ years with unprecedented support from the current administration. As our soldiers fight to protect us all over the world, many of us have felt compelled to take a stand and defend our freedom right here at home. I am very passionate about our country, the land of the free, and this attack on our rights is just wrong. So like many of you, I find myself on the front lines of freedom, doing what I can to make a difference.
Whether you choose to own a gun, or not, we can all agree that it is your constitutional right to bear arms, and I believe that none of our rights and freedoms should not be up for debate. This only compromises the integrity of the constitution, which is our forefathers’ plan for happiness and success. These are the people directly responsible for the success of this great nation. Similar to a successful business plan, it has worked just fine with a few tweaks here and there, but this tyrannical tweaking is getting out of control.
As a newly self-appointed defender of the constitution, specifically the Second Amendment, and a gun owner for all the right reasons (sport, hunting, self-defense, decorative display), I am absolutely convinced that taking guns away from law-abiding citizens will not decrease the amount of gun related deaths and violence. Increasing the severity of punishment for those who commit a violent act, with any object, would be much more effective. Does it take a rocket scientist to understand that law-abiding citizens abide by the law?
Information is not readily available concerning Democratic Tampa Mayor Buckhorn’s personal beliefs and policies about firearms, as I have to agree that his initial concern is valid and warranted:
Normally, licensed firearms carried in accordance with the Florida statute requirements do not pose a significant threat to the public […] However, in the potentially contentious environment surrounding the RNC, a firearm unnecessarily increases the threat of imminent harm and injury to the residents and visitors of the city.
He should have thought this one through, as it is my belief that this request simply feeds into the already controversial issue of possession of firearms and perceived violence associated with them. He should want all law-abiding citizens to be packing, and advertise it so that any person planning a killing spree would reconsider his actions, knowing there may be some defensive to his offense. Glad to save the day, rocking Republican Governor Rick Scott responded with reasonable empathy, and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand:
Like you, I share the concern that “violent anti-government protests or other civil unrest” can pose “dangers” and the “threat of substantial injury or harm to Florida residents and visitors to the state.” But it is unclear how disarming law-abiding citizens would better protect them from the dangers and threats posed by those who would flout the law.
I say Rick rocks!
Question for the day:
Wouldn’t it be reasonable to suggest that persons of any political party should refrain from being involved with organized violent reactive groups, attempting to disrupt and disband activities of the opposite party? Whereas each party could gather and talk about their own opinions and beliefs, without being bombarded with verbal abuse, threats of bodily harm, also creating the need for increased law enforcement to avoid bodily injury or even death to persons of either parties? Maybe you should ask a Rocket Scientist.
Would love to hear your thoughts on this one!
Links to reports from both sides of the fence:
- http://www.abcactionnews.com/
dpp/news/region_tampa/ governor-rick-scott-denies- tampa-mayor-bob-buckhorns- request-for-gun-ban-during- rnc-2012 - http://theminaretonline.com/
2012/08/25/article22531 - http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/05/02/gov-scott-rejects-request-to-ban-concealed-weapons-outside-gop-convention-in/
Born and raised in Louisiana, my Outdoor adventures began just a short time ago, with a weekend workshop, B.O.W. 'Becoming an Outdoors Woman' in the Spring of 2000. A nationwide program , in Louisiana it is facilitated by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Educational Dept. I was feeling a little adventurous, and chose “Intro to Shotgun” as one of my 4 workshops for the weekend. I had never had the opportunity to shoot guns, and decided that this would be the perfect place to give it a shot! This course required a detailed Firearm Safety course held in a classroom the day before various guns handy for some “hands on” instruction. I was very anxious the day of shooting, but as it unfolded, with patient expert instructors by my side, (helping to muffle the voices inside of me shouting NO! NO! NO! You're a Girl! Its gonna hurt!) I hit the second clay target, thus began my passion for Shooting! I absolutely LOVED it!! I have always loved to fish, sharing many hours with the only outdoor influence in my life growing up, my mother Tommie Lou. She and I spent many hours in the Freshwater Marshes of SW Louisiana, searching for that elusive HOG (Large Mouth Bass) but also pulling in huge Redfish, Speckled trout & Flounder in and around the salt water lake "Big Lake". I always joke that we had to use our running lights to get out to the fishing spots, and we had to also needed them to come in, as we would spend all of the precious daylight fishing hard…. the days were always too short. That was the limit to any outdoor activity for me, but shortly after my "Shooting Incident" I met my husband Lou, and was introduced into hunting, starting with a west Texas whitetail hunt, at which point my life took a drastic turn from inside to "EXTREME OUTSIDE"!! Without a doubt, I am all girl, I don't like bugs, critters, or Snakes, but because of my willingness to Take a Chance, I have learned that a little DIRT..or even or a TICK will not keep me from this new adventure!
With the first hunt of my life being shortly after the workshop, I understand first hand the skepticism that some women have to step outdoors, and I believe that most women just need to be aware of the resources readily available to them, along with a little pinch of encouragement. I have been fortunate to have both, for without it I would not be doing what I am today.
With great encouragement from Greg Martin of RealHuntersJournal, an online resource for outdoor information, I began writing, and going to the industry shows such as Shot Show, ATA, NWTF, and others to review the latest and greatest products in the industry. I met several wonderful people, and began to realize that the people behind the products, TV shows, and outfitters were just down home people, real people just like me! I think of it as a large family, and like most, they may not always agree on every method, design, or camo pattern, but all share a common dream, and ultimately work together to make that dream a reality for the rest of us. I have been blessed with a lot of energy and enthusiasm that just seems to spill out onto everyone around me, I love people and Lord only knows how I like to talk, and over the past few years I have been encouraged to take more of an active part to promote women in the outdoors. I was invited on several exciting hunts to experience many new adventures, and share them. With a style all my own, I have really enjoyed writing. Loaded with lots of adventures and information to share, I started my own website in 2009, www.BeckyLouOutdoors.com. The following year I was asked to participate in a Reality Television series with 5 other women, consisting of 11 episodes. Somehow with my determination, some skill, and a lot of luck, I won the first season competition!! The show was a success, and continues on each year for a new season with 6 new contestants and many new challenges. . In 2010 I was honored to be named Pro Staff for Commando Call Products. I do a lot of freelance writing for many websites and most recently InterMedia Outdoors with an article in print for Dec/Jan 2011/2012 nationwide Game & Fish and also Sportsman. I have a trademark phrase, “Camo can be Classy”TM for women like me that are 110% all girl, but can enjoy the outdoors to whatever level we desire! I have grown to believe that if you Love Life it will Love you back! I hope to provide some information, encouragement and inspiration for women to get out in the Great Outdoors. It has made such a difference in my life, and I truly believe that I am Happier and Healthier because of it! Shooting may not be for everyone, but it is definitely worth a SHOT!
