Another fool busted for carrying where it is illegal. (link via Uncle)
I am tired of hearing how sad it is that all these folks who go to New York from other states carrying firearms (generally handguns) are getting the shaft by the authorities in New York.
If you carry firearms illegally when “visiting” that state, you are subject to the laws of that state. Period.
Don’t like it? Choose another destination. I seldom visit Mordor because I dislike the carry laws in place there. I cannot legally carry there, and am not willing to lose my firearm nor be charged with a crime if caught doing so. When I am forced to do travel there, I am careful to disarm both my person and my car/truck. I spend as little time (and money) there as possible.
It is incumbent on you, the firearm owner, to learn the laws of the areas to which you will be travelling and to act accordingly.
These laws are in place, kept there by the legally elected “representatives of the citizens” who reside in the states.
I don’t like the dance we must do to be legal, and I choose where I will travel, shop and spend my tourist budget accordingly. But the fact remains that you are responsible for learning the laws of the areas to which you will be travelling. Would you feel as sorry for these people if they had been busted in Canada? England?
Just because you can drive to New York and never pass a border checkpoint or other feature that shows you have changed jurisdictions is no excuse.
I am sorry for these people, but they chose to break the laws, even if in ignorance, and they are subject to the appropriate penalties. As gun owners/CHL holders, we need to be aware of the laws in other jurisdictions.
If they broke the law because they didn’t think that they’d get caught, or because they just didn’t believe in it, does that make them any better philosophically than someone who liked drugs or child porn? They are illegal too. There are those who see no harm in heroin or kiddie porn, just like many of us see no harm in firearms. (“not the same” you cry! Depends on your point of view, doesn’t it?) The laws of the state which you are visiting must be respected. If you choose not to do so, then be prepared to pay the penalty for not doing so. If you don’t like the laws, choose to visit elsewhere. No one forces you to visit somewhere where you don’t like the laws. YOU CHOOSE TO GO WHERE THESE LAWS ARE IN FORCE. And you can choose not go as well. You can also choose to flaunt these laws, but there are consequences if you do. Part of the decisions we make every day…risk vs reward.
And don’t expect me to feel sorry for you if you get caught.
