A Peek At Gun "Rights"...

So what does Florida have to say about carrying your CWP (Concealed Weapons Permit)?

"The licensee must carry the license, together with valid identification, at all times in which the licensee is in actual possession of a concealed weapon or firearm and must display both the license and proper identification upon demand by a law enforcement officer. Violations of the provisions of this subsection shall constitute a noncriminal violation with a penalty of $25, payable to the clerk of the court."

Lots of folks make the simple mistake of leaving a wallet or handbag at home when out and about. Certain rights and privileges require licensing, but to be charged with a criminal offense for not having a permit on one's person is ludicrous. Florida understands this. A $25 fine, along with the hassle of going to the clerk's office and paying it, etc., is likely to make most folks remember to bring their license with them.

Then there's Texas. And here's what Packing.org has to say about what happens to Texans should they disremember to tote along a gun permit:

"If you are asked by a law enforcement officer to show ID (as in a traffic stop), you are REQUIRED to volunteer that fact you are armed by showing your CHL along with driver's license. When they run your DL, it will show if you have a [B]Texas Resident CHL, so they WILL find out. DPS says the first time you fail to show a CHL, you license 'may' be suspended for 90 days, the second time, 3 years and the third time it may be revoked. The third time 'might' be a Class B misdemeanor but the 2nd time would not. A Class B would result in an automatic revocation which costs your CHL for 5 years."

Not only is legally carrying a firearm NOT your business and YOUR business only, but if you forget the damned thing you are charged with a criminal offense. And there's no don't-ask, don't-tell in Texas. The cops are so very jittery that they demand you alert them of your permit, even when you are NOT CARRYING A FIREARM. That's right. They run your plate and you've not informed the officer that you are a licensee, and it's a misdemeanor.

I've compared Florida to Texas to illustrate the difference between locations that brag about their manly rights and ones that put their money where their mouth is. Have a soccer mom call the cops on you in Florida because she thinks she's seen a gun, and the responding officer makes a rational decision based upon whether or not you were waving the thing around, or the dumb gal just got spooked from seeing a bulge, ANY bulge. Not so in Lonestar. Gust of wind tosses your cover garment aside for a nanosecond and you are guilty of brandishing.

The never ending message to Texans remains the same: Put down the Cowboy Action Shooting rulebook, and climb back on the horse to being a man again.

You can do it. It'll be hard, sure it will. All these years of bragging just to find out that you've been sissified to the 9's would be hard for even real men to take. But just follow our lead and all will be well. Promise.