As in TX, those inclined to be rude might think twice before doing so.

Very Good question!  I would like to hear from providers on their comfort level of someone having a weapon wiht them going to a meeting.  I presume we will start to see signs posted in public places and providers requesting no weapons on the premises.

Two ways to look at this - one is deterent and saftey and the other is we have given the keys for the hen house to the fox. I would say that I am about as liberal as you can get on many issues.

This should not change the hobby that much. If anything, the providers should feel they have the capability to provide a better sense of security not only for the occasional wacko on an engagment. But also for the real wacko that insits on stalking.

For the most part - thoose that would use a weapon in the act of committing a crime will carry a concealed weapon regardless of what the law is. My brother is a career criminal (not a very good one either!!!)and after speaking with many of his room mates and friends I have come to the conclusion that as long as hand guns and guns in general are legal, then no permit program, liscening and certification process will make any difference. The weapons are available for young children to have and brandish. It is sad but true. This new law does not impact the criminal element much at all.

In the past, it was up to the Sherrif of the county to issue permits for conceealed weapons. This could have prevented someone with a legitimate (abused person - male or female) from going through the process for protection. There may be many reasons that folks with legitmate needs for protection choose to shy away from law enforcement. It may be a reluctance or concern about going public with your need for protection. It may be you live out in the country and you just don't have time to get to the sherrif. It may even be the sherrif is a complete prick and uses this as a control tool. Now all you have to do is go to a class, pass the class and you are able to carry the weapon. In my mind at least there will be more folks educated about firearms and the dangers.  

If an abuser now has to think twice about attacking - then maybe some peoples lifes will be saved. If a robber has to think twice about going into a store where the clerk may be armed as well - then maybe crime will go down.

There are going to be situations where there will be harm and death caused by someone carrying a concealed weapon. These will be jumped on by the media. What we won't hear about are the lifes that may have been saved by the deterent.

Long winded and boring I know - JMHO

Fatty

Anybody have links to crime statistics in states that have enacted concealed-carry laws? Whether deaths have gone up or down, violent crimes increased or decreased, anything like that?