Desperation?

As the Legislature reconvenes, the sides are mapping out their positions in the Concealed Carry debate. While Concealed Carry Reform Now of Minnesota prepares to take advantage of the new Republican gains, the measure's newly-renamed opponents are staging their own protest (scroll down):

...several dozen pink-clad women from the Coalition to End Gun Violence lined the steps leading to the Senate chamber in a protest against expanded handgun rights.

For years, the DFL-controlled Senate has blocked House efforts to make permits to carry handguns available to more Minnesotans. But Republicans and conservative outstate DFLers who favor handgun rights now predominate in the Senate, making the measure a strong candidate for passage.

Readers of this blog already know that part. But here's the part I love:

Instead of emphasizing effects on public safety, the coalition distributed handbills Tuesday pointing out projected added costs of $600,000 for the measure. "Can Minnesota really afford concealed carry?" the handbill asked.

This, as "Welfare Rights" supporters cavorted nearby.

So they've abandoned the public safety angle, and are trying to attack the costs. This session is looking better and better.

The piece, by the way, is written by Conrad deFiebre, who has distinguished himself and the Strib by actually covering this issue fairly and honestly over the last few sessions. A rare kudo to the Strib.

Posted by Mitch at January 8, 2003 07:19 AM