Published: March 23, 2006 03:41 pm            

Legislation should make criminals quake

Article 1, Section 21 of the Pennsylvania Constitution states, “The right of the citizens to bear arms in defense of themselves and the State shall not be questioned.”

For many years, gun rights have been eroded by zealous politicians (primarily Democrats) who exploited tragedies to restrict gun-owners’ rights in the name of public safety – ignoring that gun crimes are committed almost exclusively by criminals.

Politicians and some medical activists even managed to fabricate claims that guns are a virus-like phenomenon that must be eradicated like a nasty flu.

The truth, however, illuminates the anti-gun obfuscation. Brilliant and dedicated researchers such as John Lott of the American Enterprise Institute and Dave Kopel, research director of the Independence Institute, have published numerous studies that consistently disprove every hysterical claim the anti-gun gangs make.

Lott’s “More Guns, Less Crime” is landmark research that proves two very simple points: Guns in the hands of law-abiding citizens deter crime, and criminals loathe the potential that they may be shot by a citizen.

In an effort to restore several fundamental rights that anti-gun politicians legislated away from citizens, two Pennsylvania lawmakers have introduced legislation that would codify and restore the natural and long-honored right to self-defense and eliminate the state police’s handgun-owner database.

Rep. Stephen Cappelli, R-Williamsport, has introduced House Bill 2231, which reaffirms the “Castle Doctrine.”

His legislation, based on similar legislation enacted in Florida, would eliminate the duty to retreat before using lethal force outside of your home or vehicle as long you are able to demonstrate a reasonable belief that you were in imminent danger and lethal force was necessary.

The legislation also offers specific protection against civil liability for the lawful use of force in self-defense.

Cappelli’s legislation also addresses restrictive regulations in the state parks system and game commission. An amendment provides for elimination of the unlawful ban on self-defense within taxpayer-owned parks. Currently, you may possess a concealed handgun only in your car or at your campsite or rented lodging.

There are many areas in state parks, such as hiking trails, that are remote, inaccessible and rarely visited by park personnel. There is no way the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources can assure public safety in all of theses areas.

Additionally, many of these park properties are adjacent to state game lands, and hikers can unwittingly venture into an area that prohibits lawful concealed-carry.

Another aspect the bill addresses is lawful concealment while hunting. Game commission regulations state how and when game may be taken and specify what firearms may be used. These regulations illogically prohibit possession of certain self-defense handguns regardless of whether you possess a concealed-carry permit. HB 2231 eliminates these restrictions on self-defense while hunting.

Rep. Daryl Metcalf, R-Butler, has introduced legislation that would eliminate the handgun registry the state police have maintained for years. The state police were warned by the FBI in 2001 that its taxpayer-funded “non-database” was illegal.

Finally, the legislation will eliminate the ban on lawful possession of firearms while operating snowmobiles or all-terrain vehicles.

Cappelli and Metcalf have provided disincentives to the criminals instead of law-abiding citizens.



Rick Povich of Johnstown is legislative affairs representative of the Johnstown Rifle and Pistol Club.

        

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