202 Years Later...

And yet another American city decides that the average citizen has less rights than the police. And isn't the Ad the funniest thing you've seen lately.


CLINTON - "With two residents objecting, a resolution banning firearms throughout the Anderson County Courthouse was approved Tuesday in a 12-4 vote by county commissioners.

Constable Ed Williamson of Heiskell and Oak Ridge resident Steve Mead voiced concerns about the ban, saying residents with gun permits should be allowed to carry weapons into the courthouse.

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"This resolution would only decrease safety by reducing resistance to criminal attack within the courthouse,'' Mead said.

During Anderson County's 202-year history, there has never been a problem with guns in the courthouse, Williamson said.

"I can't find a compelling reason for anybody to have a gun in this courthouse,'' Commissioner Scott Gillenwaters said.

Before passing the resolution as presented, commissioners tinkered with it, tacking on a sunset provision.

The ban will remain in effect until Feb. 1, 2008, commissioners decided. It could be renewed permanently then, Commission Chairman Myron Iwanski said.

Off-duty law enforcement officers will be allowed to tote weapons in the courthouse, the panel decided in a separate vote.

Judges and other members of a courthouse security committee recently voted to ask commissioners to impose the ban.

Judges in 2001 posted notices prohibiting guns inside their courtrooms after commissioners at that time voted down a courthouse-wide firearms ban.

The ban approved Tuesday imposes a $500 fine on those found carrying a weapon in the courthouse."

Thanks To The War On Guns