Roger Sherrill
Larry Black
Q: Larry, if you become the newly elected sheriff of Catoosa County, what would be your view of citizens carrying concealed firearms?
A: I do believe that a citizens Second Amendment rights should be upheld. The subject of local citizens being able to carry a concealed firearm in the state of Georgia and our local county lacks one provision that should be added. I believe it should be mandatory for anyone who applies for a concealed firearm permit that they should show proof that they have enough knowledge to operate safely a firearm before being allowed to carry a gun concealed.
Q: While we are on the subject of concealed firearms, what are your thoughts on open carry of firearms, that is, openly carrying a gun without any cover of concealment?
A: I believe that only law officers should be carrying a gun in the open and showing their badge as a law officer openly and close to the firearm.
Those citizens of the state of Georgia under the present law do not have to take a class on firearm safety as do residents of many other states before receiving a firearm permit. We simply go in for fingerprinting and pay the required fee, and the local authority runs a background check. There are regulations that we must follow and certain other requirements by law, but we are not required to show proof of having completed any school or classroom instructions in order to apply for a concealed permit. I personally believe that having to attend a firearm course before receiving a permit to carry a firearm would be good. I have met many citizens that know absolutely nothing about a gun, whether it is a pistol or a rifle. I have attended and taught these courses in the past, and they are very comfortable, well-taught and reasonably priced.
The subject of carrying a pistol out in the open has many opinions from those that may legally carry a firearm. I just do not see the need to carry a firearm out openly for all to see. I believe that the very element of not knowing if a person is carrying a firearm may be a deterrent to would-be troublemakers. I have noticed in local restaurants people carrying guns out in the open. I automatically look these people over and decide if they are law officers. The ones I see generally are in street clothes and not in uniform, or showing any visible badge as to why they are carrying out in the open. I know that the weather has a lot to do with how we conceal or not conceal a firearm. In the present hot weather, most of us do not want to wear a jacket in order to go concealed.
There is something else that you should consider if you decide to go open with a firearm on your hip for all to see. If someone approaches you for help thinking you are a law officer, what will you do? This could very well put you right in the middle of an issue that you have no business being involved in. Are you qualified to interpret law and make legal decisions? There are times that carrying a firearm out in the open is necessary. I know that high security areas happen to be just one of those times. I have always tried to remain unnoticed and keep a low profile, rather than announce my intentions or appear to want people’s attention.
I would like to say thank you to Larry Black for his thoughts and time with me. I have known Mr. Black for several years and was a volunteer for him for about four years while he supervised the jail. I believe that he would be an excellent sheriff for Catoosa County
Final thought. Protect your constitutional rights. Vote.
Roger Sherrill lives in Ringgold. He can be reached at tandemjumper@catt.com.
"The subject of local citizens being able to carry a concealed firearm in the state of Georgia and our local county lacks one provision that should be added." That is what Mr. Black said above. The key words here are "Lacks one provision" I think we have enough provisions, taxes, and government arrogance to last for a while.
However, after reading his statement I know for a FACT I will NOT vote for him.
A: I do believe that a citizens Second Amendment rights should be upheld. The subject of local citizens being able to carry a concealed firearm in the state of Georgia and our local county lacks one provision that should be added. I believe it should be mandatory for anyone who applies for a concealed firearm permit that they should show proof that they have enough knowledge to operate safely a firearm before being allowed to carry a gun concealed.
First, he contradicts himself. How can he believe in the second amendment yet want to have barriers in place to prevent a person from enjoying their second amendment rights?
Actually a conceal carry permit is nothing more than a tax on people that follow the laws. I can prove my point by pointing out that criminals don't have concealed carry permits!
No, I work, pay taxes on my earnings and pay the tax on my permit. Then a criminal comes along with no permit for the gun they use to take what I worked for. The criminal actually ends up with more rights than the law abiding citizens.
Nope, Mr Black makes it abundantly clear that although he "claims" to support my second amendment rights he doesn't recognize my rights at all. No where in the second amendment does it say I must pay a tax to enjoy my rights, and it certainly doesn't say I have to pass some silly class in order to enjoy my rights.
So, Mr Black, would you like to try your answer again?
Did you ever stop to consider that criminals feel empowered because most citizens do not carry a gun?
I can prove my point by pointing to Kennesaw Georgia. When the law was passed requiring all citizens to own a gun, the criminals moved on to towns without such laws.
Yes, it will impact my life in a negative way through my bank account.
The second amendment in no way says this right is only for people with the money to jump through government regulations....meaning the permit tax and a stupid class that will be anything but free.
When the criminals pay a conceal carry tax and take a class, I'll think about supporting such nonsense. Since that isn't going to happen, well, Mr Black will have to turn to those without a real understanding of our individual rights for votes....guess that means you.
You either support individual rights or you don't. You and Mr Black don't or you wouldn't be placing conditions on our rights.
Columbia v. Heller, 554 U.S. 570 (2008), the Court ruled that the Second Amendment protects an individual's right to possess a firearm, unconnected to service in a militia[1][2] and to use that arm for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home.
I dont see where this gurantees anyone the right to carry a concealed weapon in public. You two are argueing seperate points one that is guranteed in owning a gun and one that isnt in carrying around a concealed weapon, kennesaw requires people to own a gun, doesnt mean they are required to carry it with them at all times...what is being asked is not to show you know how to use a gun before owning one, in your house or on your property, simply to show you are responsible and safe when carrying it out in public around others. Its ok cry about personal rights and re-word the whole conversation to suit how you see fit, this so called tax as you say doesnt prevent anyone from being able to own a gun. Your arguements are uneducated as you dont even understand the 2nd amendment. The 2nd amendment doesnt give you the right to carry a concealed weapon. Simply to own one for your personal protection within the home. So try again.... without using the second ammendment, i understand it is an extra cost and might be a pain taking a class,those are legitimate gripes. but it does make it safer for the general public. Watching the news i see more negatives when its easier for people to get a hold of guns. I dont see stories where it is lucky that someone had one with them.
And you agree with the SCOTUS that an unborn child has no life, no protections, no value and should be as disposable as this weeks trash?
An "educated" person can read down a little further in your Wikipedia copy job and read the actual second amendment....
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.
So tell me how the SCOTUS followed law instead of politics and got it right? Answer...they didn't.
This country is heading down a dangerous path and it has been for generations. Obama simply slipped it into high gear.
So again, no where, and I mean no where does it say my rights are limited to the space occupied by my property.
2nd Amendment doesnt gurantee you a right to carry a concealed weapon. If it did why do u have to ask for a permit in the 1st place?