Indiana

Packin? in the Park

By Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

Libertarian City-County Council member Ed Coleman has introduced an ordinance that would allow guns to be brought into city parks and playgrounds.  Proposal 39 would allow anyone who is licensed to carry a gun to bring the weapon into any of the city’s more than 200 parks as well as the Monon Trail.   Coleman and his fellow Libertarians say citizens have a right to protect themselves.   Critics say more guns will lead to increased risks to the public.

While I believe you have the right to own a gun to hunt, for sport or to protect your family, like everything else in this world no rights are absolute and we put reasonable restrictions on lots of things.  I have free speech, but I can’t libel or slander someone.  I have freedom of religion, but I can’t engage in human sacrifice.   I can’t bring a gun into a school, a courthouse or a federal building and I don’t see how someone’s second amendment rights are being infringed for the few minutes they can’t bring a gun to a city parks and playgrounds.

And if you’re going to tell me that you need your gun for protection while jogging at 2 a.m. on the Monon Trail, then answer me this?  What are you going to do when mugger hits you from behind?

I believe most gun owners are responsible people and I believe you have the right to own a gun, but you don’t have the right to take it everywhere you go.

Let the shootout begin!

Full post as published by Indiana Barrister on February 02, 2010 (boomark / email).