Wendy Davis states support for expansion of gun rights.

[Skip Intro]

While Democrats elsewhere have called for tighter gun laws, Davis said she owns a handgun for protection, plans to obtain a concealed handgun license and supports legislation that allows workers to keep guns in their vehicles at work.

"I think I have been pretty strong in supporting the expansion of the rights of gun ownership," she said.

http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/01/21/5502458/davis-stakes-out-middle-ground.html

[tammywammy]

1. Anyone who's looked at her record should already know this.

She's still a million times better than Greg Abbott.

[okaawhatever]

2. I knew that about her. I'm not worried. She wouldn't get elected in Texas without it. nt

[stg81]

137. GIVE MONEY TO BATTLEGROUND TEXAS TODAY

[Politicalboi]

3. Who needs their guns at work?

It's Texas I guess, maybe you might need to shoot your lame horse while at work.

[linuxman]

14. It's not neccesarily about needing it at work

, but then again nobody has ever been violently attacked at their work-place either...

It's about carrying a handgun for self defense and not being defacto banned from doing so on your way to and from work.

Good for Wendy. She gets it.

[HERVEPA]

30. Yuk. Just Yuk. Just what we need. Another gunner on this board.

[linuxman]

39. Let me fetch you a fainting stool...

Calm yourself.

The world is full of people that don't agree with you on every little issue. Take Wendy Davis and I for example. Now I know it may be a lot to take in, but listen anyway. The world is full of people that don't look like you, talk like you, act like you, share religious beliefs with you, share sexual preferences with you, share hobbies with you, or even share 100% of your political beliefs. It can be terrifying at first, but in time it will get better.

[HERVEPA]

43. Thanks for the lecture. You've converted me.

[linuxman]

95. *Yaaaawn*

Projection, ad hominem, ad hominem, rinse, repeat.

If all you can do is spit platitudes about "big gun guy" this and that and insinuate that a non-threatening post didn't successfully threaten you, then I'm beginning to see why efforts by gun-controllers are failing across the board in the U.S. They have people like you carrying the water.

If all you can do is call me dumb and imply that I'm trying to intimidate you, you probably shouldn't try to debate someone on guns. It makes you sound silly.

[kcr]

100. To your post telling them to fetch you a fainting stool

Yes, your discourse is so much better.

There are plenty of people offering a higher level of debate. I should wonder if you don't choose to engage with them.

[linuxman]

108. Let's be real here.

I've been a reader of this site for years. Probably five or more. I never registered an account until recently, as I'm not big on that (I have one account for another board, but that's it.) I'm not new to the way things work around here, and I learned years ago (and reaffirmed it daily) that the gun-control proponents on this site would rather hurl insults, feign illness/revulsion, talk about genitals, go on emotional benders, and belittle the people they disagree with, rather than debate the issue in some sort of civilized manner. Hell, you can see it all unfold in this thread. I've never once seen this "higher level of debate" you're talking about. Perhaps you could illustrate that.

You see, in my opinion, a civilized debate would be a discussion of the rights of an employer to prevent gun's on their property and how those rights come into conflict with an individuals right to self defense. What I got instead was "HURR DURR, You're a big tough guy with your GunZ!!! I ain't scared!!!" Par for the course. I try to lower myself to that level as little as possible, but let's not pretend that every debate about this issue on DU doesn't rapidly degenerate into some sort of ad hominem gang-bang.

[kcr]

110. That wasn't the first response

The first response was not another gunner. Not the most civil response, but far from the worst. Your response was about equal in its lack of civility. And then to go on and act like everyone else here is the same is just piling on and over the top. As if gun's rights activists and enthusiasts butter wouldn't melt in their mouths. I stand by what I said. There are plenty of gun control activists willing to debate civilly if you want to find them.

[linuxman]

118. I'm here to post about all my relevant interest,

not go on a scavenger hunt for the rare and majestic Spotted Civil Gun Control Proponent. My first response in this thread was even keeled and not inflammatory in the least, unless you count the sarcasm smiley as offensive. My second response was aimed at the poster who seemed to be indicating that he felt ill in the presence of different people/opinion. He pretended to be sick, I pretended to care. Not seeing how what I did could be perceived as uncivil.

[kcr]

120. I just took exception to your claim that all others were the same

You don't have to go on a scavenger hunt if you don't want to. Just don't claim they don't exist.

[linuxman]

124. I'm not discounting the possibility that they do exist entirely.

I'd just be surprised if I ran into one. Yes, I'm guilty of generalizing, but I think most would agree that my statement more closely resembles the truth than not.

[kcr]

126. Most would agree?

Who would those most be?

[linuxman]

127. Most of the users on this site. N/T

[kcr]

130. I wish I had a reading of the members of DU like that.

To have a thumb on the pulse of DU. Must be nice

[Electric Monk]

138. After four whole days here, too.... with their latest account, anyway.

[LanternWaste]

151. I imagine we often see only that which we wish to, and discount as improbable those things...

I imagine we often see only that which we wish to, and discount as improbable those things which may invalidate our biases.

[sabrina 1]

143. What is the other site you have an account on?

Can't imagine reading a site for five years and not singing up. Anyhow, what finally made you sign up after all that time?

[linuxman]

145. A general interest hobby site.

I'm not sure to be honest. Just sort of felt like it out of the blue. I figure I my as well make an account as I'm here so much.

[MO_Moderate]

154. I've only been reading here a few months

Never met democrats quite like this site has, so thought I would broaden my horizons.

[SomethingFishy]

169. So you managed to lurk here for 5 years without wanting to post a single comment

until now? After all the gun threads, pro and con, and all the mass shootings over the years you have managed to "lurk but not comment" until this fairly innocuous thread?
Seems... fishy.

[linuxman]

173. Why?

Serious question. Seeing as there were so many over the years (sandy hook was a big one) why is it that this point in time strikes you as "fishy". I suppose you'd say the same thing if I posted at any other time, whether something particularly discussion worthy were happening or not. I'll say this. After reading this site (and the old versions) for a long time, there has been one particularly prominent constant. The DU inquisition. Jesus. Seems like unless you have retired and have the time to rack up 100K posts, you're suspect.

[SomethingFishy]

174. Because it's human nature to want to participate, especially if

it's a topic you feel so strongly about.



You tell me why. Why did it take you 5 years to decide you wanted to comment? I could understand a few months or so to see if it's your kind of place but to watch for 5 years and then one day out of the blue decide it's time to join in? Pardon me, but that sets off my bullshit meter. And yes the "inquisition" is quite popular on DU, I have been through it myself. It's the nature of the internet. Nothing anyone can do about it.

[linuxman]

175. Largely because of things like this.

"Why did it take so long? Why are you writing about this? What do you mean like that? Where are your papers?" What a welcoming environment...

Why do people do anything? Because they want to. It's not difficult.

I honestly thought about naming my account "Trollin' for Jesus", just because I knew I'd be harassed anyway, so I might as well have poked fun at the ones doing it...
You're reading too much into something. You're welcome to continue, but you'll be having the conversation with yourself.

[SomethingFishy]

176. Enjoy your stay...

[Eleanors38]

107. Lotta hate and PERSONAL ATTACK, there. Apologies?

[kcr]

116. What are you, the DU nanny n/t

[Eleanors38]

162. Yes! I'll take away your lollipop!

[Duckhunter935]

41. or as Texas Governor

right?

[Eleanors38]

58. Well, this is the gun forum. 'You support Davis?

[Duckhunter935]

63. of course not

can't be a democrat and own a firearm, you must have missed the memo.

Been told that many times here.

[okaawhatever]

71. That's ridiculous. Many Democrats support gun rights. Most aren't opposed to background checks,

though.

[Duckhunter935]

72. I do not think I have found one opposed to background checks

Have seen many times and been called many names here. Killer and murderer are just a few besides not being a real democrat.

For what has this happened you might ask?

I own a firearm

[geek tragedy]

94. There are several Democrats in the Senate who oppose background checks.

They voted their conscience--they voted for guns and for more dead kids--Baucus, Heitkamp etc.

[Scuba]

149. I own several firearms, and am quite open about it. I've never been called "killer, murderer" or...

... even "gun nut". Perhaps it's some other reason that some members are critical of you.

[Scootaloo]

70. Actually this is general discussion

The RKBA forum is five doors down the hall to the right. Just follow the smell of soiled pants and the sound of dog whistles.

[Eleanors38]

74. This is what you think of gun-owning Democrats?

You have a peculiar familiarity for those odors, for being on the innernet.

[okaawhatever]

91. the poopy pants comment was probably referring to Mr. draft dodger and NRA official spokesman Ted

Nugent. Ted pooped his pants and peed on himself to avoid the draft in Vietnam. I am deeply offended that any organization in the United States would use him as their spokesman and call him a patriot. A lot of Vietnam era guys feel like it's a slap in their face to have Ted promote their product, and I agree.

[Scootaloo]

101. Actually, more to do with the perpetual terror that gun goons live in

If you tell me that you need to walk around armed all the time, then I freely conclude you're a nut and a coward. perhaps not a popular opinion, but with all the shootings happening on the basis of "I WUZ SKURRED!" it surely seems accurate.

[Eleanors38]

102. No. He/she referenced fellow DUers in GC/RKBA.

Stuff that would be hidden with any other topic. But it is drop trou & wade in if you support 2A.

Ironically, just yesterday I was referenced as being Ted Nugent. An alert failed, of course. There truly is a license to hate in DU.
EDIT:
Low & behold, #101. And it ain't a highway.

[Duckhunter935]

77. little bit of generalization

You sure are good at smearing some of your fellow democrats. Must make you feel good.

[Scootaloo]

96. Well, the big tent happens to have a lot of clowns

What's your point?

[Nuclear Unicorn]

163. Does this mean you won't be supporting Wendy Davis?

[Tikki]

181. When my husband worked nights in an area of E. LA he never carried a gun in his work car...

a cell phone, yes.
He drove that for years and often when he was leaving work he'd stop at a food coach
and have a bite with the AM laborers.

They all got used to seeing each other..and joked around a lot.

Tikki

[spin]

73. I used to work the graveyard shift on a job in the Tampa Bay Area of Florida. ...

In order to get to my job, I had to drive through some fairly rough areas where carjackings and bump and rob incidents were fairly common especially in the late hours. Obviously I had no need to have a gun in my car while I was inside my workplace, but I had to drive to and from it.

I felt it wisest to have a loaded handgun in my glove box which was legal in Florida at the time even without a carry permit. Florida then passed a "Take your Firearm to Work" law which required a person to have a valid carry permit to do so. I had one and fully supported the change to the law.

Fortunately I have never had to use my weapon for legitimate self defense. However, one of my co-workers was stopped at a traffic light and was approached by a man who was suffering from road rage and had a tire iron in his hands. My co-worker was caught in traffic and unable to simply drive off. He pulled his semi-auto pistol out of his glove box and placed the hand holding the weapon on his steering wheel. The other individual noticed this and wisely decided to return to his car. Had my co-worker not been armed it is possible that the man would have smashed the window the car door and injured my co-worker.

My co-worker was visibly shaken when he arrived at work, but glad that he had been armed and all ended peacefully.

[Duckhunter935]

79. should never have that option

Others know better than you

[kcr]

90. I'm so glad the third hand recounting of that anecdote of road rage ended well

I'm convinced I note, too, how conveniently the the co-worker's participation in the incident was left out before it came to all the brandishing of weapons. I think if people are going to be driving through sketchy areas of town, they should refrain from getting into road rage incidents. Probably works better prevention wise.

[spin]

131. I have no idea if something he did caused the road rage. ...

I usually drive 10 mph over the speed limit but I have had drivers who were behind me that felt I was driving far too slow.

I also became a much more polite driver when I started carrying a firearm in my car. The last thing most responsible people who legally carry would wish is to start a road rage incident. I even avoid heated arguments and am willing to walk away from an angry individual even if it makes me look like a coward to others. Many gun control advocates stereotype those who legally carry as blood thirsty killers looking for an opportunity to blow someone away, cop wannabes or vigilantes. Reality is often boring and if most of us were aggressive as suggested there would gun fights at every intersection would be common in Florida and many incidents like the Zimmerman/Martin shooting.

I do know this about my co-worker. I worked with him for fifteen years and he was always rational and stable and suffered from no anger management problems. He also had a government secret clearance and a concealed weapons permit so he had had several background checks that showed he had a criminal record of any type.

Of course you will reject the story as fiction but in all the time I knew this man he never made up any stories to impress others. As I said he was visibly shaken when he arrived at work and that's hard to fake to people who have known you for years. There was no bragging about his courage or how he stood up to his attacker. He merely was glad that he was able to avoid a violent confrontation.

You can chose to believe the story or not. I will point out that if I had made the story up, it would have been more exciting.

[kcr]

133. "I also became a much more polite driver when I started carrying a firearm in my car."

Sadly, that's not always the case. There are studies that say otherwise, that drivers who carry guns tend to be more aggressive. It's not that I'll reject what you say as fiction. It's just that I'm going to give some things more weight than others. The things that people post on a message board may not always get the same weight as other pieces of information. I'm sure you as an individual are perfectly nice. It's nothing personal.

[spin]

139. Many other people that I have known through the years told me that they had become ...

more polite when they started carrying.

I do know one individual who has a very quick temper which I witnessed once when he flew into a rage over a minor incident when he was visiting my home. My son in law has ridden in a car with him and says he is a very aggressive driver and shows anger at other drivers. He does have a carry permit and has had it for a good number of years. Apparently he has been able to control his temper and not misuse his weapon but my son in law and I both agree he may be a walking time bomb.

Some states like Florida and Texas publish yearly or monthly reports on crimes committed by those with carry permits. Texas does a far better job on compiling detailed statistics on this issue and you can view the state's yearly reports at http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/rsd/chl/reports/convrates.htm
The Florida report is available at: http://www.freshfromflorida.com/content/download/7499/118851/cw_monthly.pdf

Overall the statistics from states that do publish such reports reveal that those who have carry permits are far more law abiding than the average citizen. Still there are some exceptions to this rule so obviously having a carry permit does not mean you are an angel.

I also realize that many of the people I have known who have carry permits were co-workers who had government clearances. Obviously this might be a select group of people as they have all undergone a far more extensive background check than the average person with a carry permit.

[kcr]

140. Having a permit certainly doesn't make them an angel. Nor does being law abiding

A recent example, the shooter in the mall in Maryland had no criminal record prior to the shooting. Law abiding right up until that point. Not uncommon in those instances. Also described by the people who knew him as gentle.

[spin]

142. Most mass murderers have waved numerous red flags before they ran amok. ...

This mall shooter may be an exception to the rule.

While I may be wrong, I feel this shooting is more of a lover's dispute than a mass murder. We may never know for sure.

[Hoyt]

147. In stats, Zimmerman is considered a law-abiding citizen who used his gun for self-defense.

[spin]

170. Zimmerman was not a mass murderer. ...

But there were some red flags in his past.

— July 2005, Zimmerman was arrested and accused of resisting an officer with violence near the University of Central Florida campus after a scuffle with police. The charges were eventually dropped after Zimmerman entered an alcohol education program.

— August 2005, Zimmerman's former fiancee filed for a restraining order against him, alleging domestic violence. Zimmerman responded by requesting a restraining order against her. Both requests were granted. No criminal charges were filed.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/11/18/list-george-zimmerman-past-run-ins-with-law/

Since the charges were dropped or not filed, Zimmerman had a clean record when he applied for his concealed weapons permit in December of 2009. (ref: http://mynews13.com/content/dam/news/static/cfnews13/documents/2012/12/zimmerman-fdle-gun-permit-documents.pdf)

I will point out that Zimmerman was found not guilty at his trial. Your opinion, my opinion and the opinion of the press and media are basically irrelevant in determining how the Zimmerman/Martin shooting is used for statistical purposes. The incident will be viewed as justifiable self defense.

[kcr]

172. And it also renders your opinion of looket how law abiding all the CCWs are

rather meaningless. Because it's a meaningless statistic when you look at what exactly law abiding can mean. Look at good old George walking around with his guns.

[spin]

178. I have often said that while those who legally carry are not angels ...

overall they have a much lower crime rate than average citizens.

When you license more than 1,000,000 residents of the state of Florida to carry a concealed weapon, a few will slip through the cracks and misuse their weapon.

Zimmerman had two incidents in 2005 that might have prevented him from getting a carry permit but either the criminal charges were dropped or were not filed. I pointed this out above.

I realize that you probably believe that no citizen should ever be allowed to carry a lethal weapon in public but the concealed weapons program in Florida has proven to be a success. Unlike what was predicted by the gun control advocates, Florida did not turn in the Wild West. We do not have shootouts at every intersection nor do we have gun fights on Main Street at high noon.

Many Floridians have successfully used their legally concealed weapon to stop an attack from an individual who intended to seriously injure or kill them. Most of these incidents never make the local news as they ended with no shots fired.

Surely if allowing 1,000,000 people to carry a concealed weapons was a terrible idea, Florida would have seen a dramatic increase in gun violence. This is not the case.

Florida firearm violence hits record low; concealed gun permits up
Posted: 01/09/2013
By: Jacob Carpenter, Scripps Howard News Service

NAPLES, FL - In the so-called Gunshine State, home to the most gun permits in the country, firearm violence has fallen to the lowest point on record.

As state and national legislators consider gun control laws in the wake of last month's Connecticut school shooting, Florida finds itself in a gun violence depression. The firearm-involved violent crime rate has dropped 33 percent between 2007 and 2011, while the number of issued concealed weapons permits rose nearly 90 percent during that time, state records show.

Read more: http://www.abc15.com//dpp/news/national/florida-firearm-violence-hits-record-low-concealed-gun-permits-up#ixzz2riymkR

[kcr]

179. When gun enthusiast logic looks at data

and enthusiastically draws erroneous conclusions, part II. "Surely if allowing 1,000,000 people to carry a concealed weapons was a terrible idea, Florida would have seen a dramatic increase in gun violence. This is not the case." Ask the wife of the man who was shot for texting if they think it's a good idea. Or the family members of Treyvon Martin. The crime rate of the entire country has been going down steadily for over twenty years. No need for everyone to arm themselves to the teeth. Even if it isn't causing gun deaths to ramp up, it's not worth it to have to worry if the one person is going to be the crazed asshole who shoots you for a bag of skittles, or for texting.

[spin]

183. When a gun control enthusiast looks at the data he often ignores the big picture ...

and instead concentrates on individual tragic incidents when someone with a permit misused his weapon.

Of course such incidents gain national attention which is understandable. Stories where a person with a carry permit save their own life or the life of others rarely make national news as the media has a bias against concealed carry. Usually they do not even make the local news unless shots were fired. Still a considerable number happen every year but unfortunately it is difficult to find reliable statistics on such incidents.

You largely ignored my point about the fact that over 1,000,000 residents of Florida have concealed carry permits and that if it was a bad idea, gun violence in Florida would have skyrocketed. You chose instead to mention two cases where most people feel the person with the permit was in the wrong. While I am not a Zimmerman fan, I will point out that a jury that heard all the evidence ruled he was not guilty. The other incident involving the man who threw popcorn at the ex-police officer has not went to trial. At this time we have not seen all the evidence or the witness statements and I feel that it's somewhat foolish to make a decision on a person's guilt or innocence based on newspaper reports. Most likely the ex-cop was overreacting to a perceived threat and will end up in prison. Before I make my decision, I will wait to see what the defense attorneys' case to be presented. I will view him as innocent until a jury rules him as guilty.

Presumption of innocence

The presumption of innocence, sometimes referred to by the Latin expression Ei incumbit probatio qui dicit, non qui negat (the burden of proof is on he who declares, not on he who denies), is the principle that one is considered innocent until proven guilty. Application of this principle is a legal right of the accused in a criminal trial, recognised in many nations. The burden of proof is thus on the prosecution, which has to collect and present enough compelling evidence to convince the trier of fact, who is restrained and ordered by law to consider only actual evidence and testimony that is legally admissible, and in most cases lawfully obtained, that the accused is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If reasonable doubt remains, the accused is to be acquitted.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presumption_of_innocence

I did find this article interesting but of course it got just a little short lived attention by the national media.

January 3, 2014 at 1:00 am
Detroit police chief: Legal gun owners can deter crime

George Hunter
The Detroit News

Detroit— If more citizens were armed, criminals would think twice about attacking them, Detroit Police Chief James Craig said Thursday.

Urban police chiefs are typically in favor of gun control or reluctant to discuss the issue, but Craig on Thursday was candid about how he’s changed his mind.

“When we look at the good community members who have concealed weapons permits, the likelihood they’ll shoot is based on a lack of confidence in this Police Department,” Craig said at a press conference at police headquarters, adding that he thinks more Detroit citizens feel safer, thanks in part to a 7 percent drop in violent crime in 2013.

Craig said he started believing that legal gun owners can deter crime when he became police chief in Portland, Maine, in 2009.

***snip***

Craig’s statements Thursday echoed those he made Dec. 19 on “The Paul W. Smith Show” on WJR (760 AM), when he said: “There’s a number of CPL (concealed pistol license) holders running around the city of Detroit. I think it acts as a deterrent. Good Americans with CPLs translates into crime reduction. I learned that real quick in the state of Maine.”

From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140103/METRO01/301030038#ixzz2rjbTuE5F
From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140103/METRO01/301030038#ixzz2rjbB8dV1

[kcr]

184. It isn't gun control enthusiasts ignoring the big picture

For example, I know that it's the states with the most lax gun control that have the highest gun crime rates.

[spin]

185. How does that explain Maine?

Crime rates vary greatly among U.S. states.[57] In 2011, the state with the lowest violent crime rate was Maine, with a rate of 123.2 per 100,000 residents, while the state with the highest violent crime rate was Tennessee, with a rate of 608.2 per 100,000.[57] However, the District of Columbia, the U.S. capital district, had a violent crime rate of 1,202.1 per 100,000 in 2011.[57] In 2011, the state with the highest property crime rate was South Carolina, with a rate of 3,904.2 per 100,000, while the state with the lowest property crime rate was South Dakota, with a rate of 1,817.7 per 100,000.[57] However, Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States, had a property crime rate of 1,395.2 per 100,000 in 2011.[57]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crime_in_the_United_States

The Brady Campaign rates states on gun control using a 0-100 scorecard. California ranks highest with a score of 81. In comparison Maine gets a score of 7. (ref: http://bradycampaign.org/?q=programs/million-mom-march/state-gun-laws)

Now let's look at Utah which gets a 0 score on the Brady scorecard.

FBI data: Violent crime rate up slightly in Utah
By BRADY McCOMBS The Associated Press
First Published Sep 22 2013 09:21 pm • Last Updated Sep 23 2013 12:40 pm

Violent crime ticked up statewide in 2012, but Utah still has one of the lowest rates in the country, new FBI data shows.

Nearly 5,900 violent crimes were committed in Utah last year — up about 4 percent from the previous year. The state’s rate of violent crimes per 100,000 people was the sixth-lowest in the country behind Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Virginia and Wyoming. The year before, the state had the third-lowest rate.
Violent crime ticked up statewide in 2012, but Utah still has one of the lowest rates in the country, new FBI data shows.
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/56907157-78/crime-rate-violent-lake.html.csp

The demographics of states differ considerably and therefore it is somewhat unwise to compare state crime rates and draw conclusions.

[kcr]

168. You may be wrong. They haven't turned up any evidence they knew each other

And it's true, they often do have red flags. But they don't turn up on those stats you point do, do they? They're still considered law abiding citizens.

[Hoyt]

171. To me, a red flag is someone who has or wants a gun like this --

Zimmerman has one of those.

[spin]

187. He does seem to like Kel-Tec firearms. (n/t)

[DragonBorn]

180. What about people who live in those bad areas?

That cannot afford to move, and in areas the police don't like responding? They should forego any protection and hope the police arrive in time if something bad ever happens?

[kcr]

182. Good point

But don't discount how much those communities often suffer the worst from how prolific guns have become. Many of those communities wanted to do something about the gun violence but couldn't because laws they enacted were overturned because of the 2nd amendment and special interests outside of their community. Their community is flooded with guns to begin with because of those interests. As I said before, I think it was in another thread. Same guns. Same source. And isn't it funny? The members of those communities aren't spoken to or the ones speaking about gun rights. It's almost always people living and working in much safer communities. But the people in those safe communities want the guns for "self protection"

[Hoyt]

188. Do you live in those areas? How about all the people who use this argument to rationalize

carrying a gun, accumulating so-called assault weapons, etc., in the 98% of areas that aren't that bad.

[DragonBorn]

189. I dont anymore, moved about 10 years ago.

I used to live in a really bad area where the cops did not like responding. My dad bought a rifle to make sure our family was protected but I'm sure you'd rather us be defenseless.

[Hoyt]

190. A rifle doesn't really bother me. A bunch of them, toting gunz, is a problem IMO.

[jsr]

113. That's the only language assholes understand.

[davidpdx]

4. Wow, lots of negative stuff being pushed about Davis

The Republicans are desperate.

[Skittles]

5. sad but Texas is filled with gun nuts

they're so sure Obama wants to take 'em away they cannot sleep

[GP6971]

6. You mean he's not planning that?

I'm disappointed. Sarcasm intended

[Skittles]

23. they're just stupid paranoid assholes

I detest seeing politicans sucking up to them

[HERVEPA]

32. Agreed!

[GP6971]

45. All politicians do it

After all, they're politicians. In some ways I say, if we can grab Texas now, it will lead the way to more gun control advocates in the future. Pipe dream?????? Probably, but I hope

[Eleanors38]

65. That include Davis? Is the gun issue a deal breaker?

[Eleanors38]

106. So you oppose Wendy Davis?

[Skittles]

117. oh no, absolutely not

I understand why she does what she does but I can still find it sickening

[Eleanors38]

161. I'm okay with that, but I like her gun stance.

[1000words]

7. It's Texas, she has to support expansion.

Well ... she doesn't have to, but I think she really wants to win.

[Skip Intro]

9. That all sounds vaguely familiar.

I'm all for it. I don't think she has a chance but I'm glad to see she supports gun rights. Some of us here who hold similar views are called child-killers. I was curious to see what this news would bring. My guess is there won't be a peep from that name-calling crowd in this thread.

[1000words]

11. I know, right.

Who will be the first to call her a "gun nut?"

(Btw, I can't stop watching your cat gif!)

[Skip Intro]

13. I don't think any of them have the guts.

Won't happen.

They're scared and confused. Like the computers Captain Kirk used to implode with simple logic. They don't know what to do. "Error...Error..."



I crack me up. Sorry.

That cat, yeah, gotta name that guy. He is extremely active.

[kcr]

15. That's cute

But if she came into my state no way I'd support her unless she changed her stance on guns. But she's an improvement for Texas for sure.

[Eleanors38]

28. I'm not so one-issue. I have supported gun-control Democrats...

It helps to not be extreme.

[kcr]

33. I'm not one issue. But there are plenty of Dems to support who aren't gun extremists

So there's no need for me to support one who is.

[friendly_iconoclast]

80. "So there's no need for me to support one who is."

You've got a problem, then- Davis is probably going to be the Dem candidate for governor.
She's running against a Republican who feels the same about guns.

So if and when Wendy Davis gets the nod, you'll have to decide whether you're
really a single-issue voter or not...

[kcr]

81. Why? I don't live in Texas.

If I did, I'd vote for her. No question. But I don't. I hope Texans do because I do think the net benefits are worth it. Anyone who lives in Texas, or a red state, is likely not surprised by this and understands this. I lived in one, not Texas, but one very similar, for 15 years. I got the hell out and way far away though, for this reason.

[Eleanors38]

22. Or in the Twilight Zone, "That does not compute."

[HERVEPA]

35. Nice response to arrogance.

[Eleanors38]

76. Whose 'arrogance?' I didn't see his/her post.

[LanternWaste]

153. I imagine many less-than-literate individuals expect others to support a candidate's platform 100%

I imagine many less-than-literate individuals expect others to support a candidate's platform 100% or become 'scared and confused', and project their own predilection for linear dogma onto those who may disagree.

Errors, indeed.

[linuxman]

19. My real concern is what this means for poor Wendy...

What is she compensating for? After all, only someone who's lacking in some way would want to carry a gun around. What's the equivalent of a small penis for a woman? A giant vagina?

[Eleanors38]

34. This is the Gun Forum, not a gender group...

[pkdu]

52. Gun Forum? Or did I miss the Sarc ?

[defacto7]

69. GD = Gun forum

Hmm, sometimes you could be right.

[sarisataka]

82. Gun related OPs today...

GC&RKBA- 4
GCRA- 0
GD- 6

[okaawhatever]

78. Probably not. The story isn't salacious enough. Plus there's supporting gun rights, and supporting

gun rights fundamentalists. You know, the type who claim they need their guns to stop Obama from placing them in a FEMA camp.

[kcr]

8. That's why I don't live in Texas n/t

[JaneyVee]

10. Texas.

[Eleanors38]

20. Yes. They were forced to get guns.

[jsr]

12. When in Rome

[freshwest]

21. 'Sum things jes need killin'

'Snakes. Why'd it haveta be snakes?'


Thanks for the pic of Ann. I met her a couple of times and she was down to heart, honest, tough, full of light and spirit. It shone from her eyes, you could feel it in her handshake.

Made Texas a good place to live for progressives. So different since Shrub and his gang took over. Sad state of affairs that I know Wendy can remedy.

[Eleanors38]

37. I believe she was dove-hunting.

[FrodosPet]

16. You have a lot of support, Sen. Davis, but if you don't support gun control...

[Eleanors38]

18. A lot of that in DU.

[Eleanors38]

17. What? Wendy Davis and Ann Richards are...

gun-humpers, RW Trolls, NRA loving Repubs, gun nuts, penis enhancers, paranoid, racist, soaked in the urine of Wayne LaPierre, have blood on their hands, cowards, and a hundred other expressions legitimized in GD?

Surely someone will step forward and "say it ain't so."

[Duckhunter935]

36. yep

future murderers they must be. Its for the children.

Quit using those RW NRA talking points

[Eleanors38]

42. Jeez, how could I miss "future murderers?"

[hack89]

155. Don't forget that other gun owner: Gabby Giffords. nt

[loyalsister]

166. who has been traveling the country pushing gun control measures...

Former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) is closing her congressional campaign account and transferring the nearly $300,000 to a newly-created PAC, with its first donations going to senators of both parties who supported a federal gun control measure earlier this year, POLITICO has learned....

Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2013/12/gabby-giffords-gun-control-pac-100778.html#ixzz2riJgFpDK
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/12/gabby-giffords-gun-control-pac-100778.html

[hack89]

167. I know. I agree with her on background checks.

There is a middle ground you know.

[BrotherIvan]

24. Boo. And yes, I'll go there.

But I guess Texas must be very, extremely dangerous. I mean jeez, I have walked around South Central, East LA, NYC, the Bronx and any number of vewy scary places in the US and abroad without a gun and I'm still alive! But damn, I better make sure not to go to Texas. It's fucking chock full of baddies just waiting to jump you!

[geek tragedy]

40. No, Texans are just not a terribly brave lot.

Can't go to the mall or movies without a gun.

[Eleanors38]

44. Does that include Davis & Richards?

[geek tragedy]

48. Davis thus far has managed to live her life without a weapon on her

at all times.

[Eleanors38]

53. So, she's gonna get her Timid Card™ now?

[geek tragedy]

59. No, she has the courage to walk in public unarmed. nt

[Skip Intro]

92. She's seeking a concealed carry permit. Didn't you read the two paragraph OP?

[geek tragedy]

97. I'll be charitable and consider that pandering to the gun humpers.

Not that it will help much, since Texas is so crazy right wing that the Republican nomination contest determines the eventual winner. Rick Perry and Ted Cruz are demigods down there.

[Duckhunter935]

55. how do you know she

will have a weapon on her at all times?

You must have some link to her, Vulcan mind meld?

[MagickMuffin]

144. I'm a Texan And Don't Own A Gun

But hey don't let me stop you, keep on painting!

[JI7]

25. Texas

[LittleBlue]

26. Uh oh

[Brigid]

27. I only wonder . . .

When my right not to get shot is going to trump the rights of second amendment extremists. My brother and my brother-in-law are capable of owning rifles for hunting without being stupid about it; too many others are not.

[Eleanors38]

49. You have both rights. nt

[Brigid]

67. I'll believe that . . .

When I can log onto DU without seeing headlines about yet another episode of gun violence or some unbelievably stupid move involving a gun like leaving it where a kid can get hold of it.

[X_Digger]

29. ...

[MADem]

31. Not liking guns in TX is like not liking the Red Sox in Boston.

All Politics is Local.

[geek tragedy]

38. Meh. A lot of Texans are afraid to walk outside without

a pistol. Very timid state.

[Lisa0825]

46. Not all. nt

[geek tragedy]

50. Obviously there are exceptions. nt

[Lisa0825]

54. Then don't say "all." nt

[Duckhunter935]

60. all does not mean all

to some. Seems to happen a lot when they get called on it.

[cinnabonbon]

156. Where did they say "all"? nt

[tammywammy]

158. The post has since been edited.

Pre-edit version:

38. Meh. Texans are all afraid to walk outside without
a pistol. Very timid state.

[cinnabonbon]

159. Thanks

I didn't even see the little red edit part in their comment. Time for more coffee.

[Eleanors38]

47. Does that include Davis and Richards?

[tammywammy]

51. Really? That's strange.

Lived here my whole life, don't own a gun and never shot one either. In fact the majority of my friends don't own guns either.

[geek tragedy]

57. Maybe it's just the men who have these issues. nt

[tammywammy]

61. No. n/t

[Eleanors38]

84. Your remark sounds sexist.

[geek tragedy]

88. I dunno. Never encountered in real life one of the pants wetting types that

feels that they need to take a gun with them the grocery store. Just know they congregate in deep red states you couldn't pay me to live in. And vote in droves for people like Rick Perry and Ted Cruz.

[Eleanors38]

112. Still sounds sexist. But anything goes when it's about guns, right?

[geek tragedy]

119. "Anything goes when it's about guns"

Isn't that in the Texas Constitution?

[Eleanors38]

123. Doubling down?

[FrodosPet]

146. You never met my mom

She was pretty much always armed with a purse piece, and always had her can of mace ready to fire when walking to the car.

[Deep13]

56. Unfortunate, but what do we expect from Texas. nt

[geek tragedy]

64. Worse was her joining with Republicans to resist paying for education.

Better than the alternative obviously, but Texas won't ever elect a liberal statewide. Bush/Perry/Cruz territory.

[okaawhatever]

99. that is absolute bullshit. Wendy's first filibuster was to stop a massive education cut. It would

have worked but Governor Perry forced a special session to get the bill approved. Don't come on here and lie about candidates histories. She doesn't support an income tax to pay for it, but has promised to pay for it with other money. Hopefully a much needed revision to property tax calculations and exemptions.

[geek tragedy]

105. Yeah, she invoked 'closing loopholes' which of course is always the solution

that candidates give when they're not serious.

[okaawhatever]

109. Oh, FFS. If she wasn't serious she wouldn't have filibustered. She also said CORPORATE loopholes

which puts yet another target on her back. Do you have anything other than lies to support your ridiculous statement?

[geek tragedy]

114. More band aids, smoke and mirrors.

Didn't work for the previous, what, six lawsuits? Tweaking property tax formulae ain't gonna cut it.

[okaawhatever]

121. I said I hoped a fix for property tax was part of it. She has only claimed closing corporate tax

loopholes. But you clearly don't know anything about the subject and your comments are ignorant and uninformed. It doesn't matter what happened in the past. What matters is what she plans to do. It's clear you don't support the Democratic candidate, so there's no point in our continuing this debate.

[defacto7]

62. "expansion of gun rights"

Expansion to what? Open carry nukes?

[geek tragedy]

66. Well, they only legalize murder over property after dark there.

Maybe they'll expand that to daylight.

[Duckhunter935]

68. That would be WMD

not covered, same with bombs, grenades, mortar shells.

[Eleanors38]

83. "Nukes?" You can make a separate post in GD; I'm sure it'll pass muster.

[defacto7]

93. Uhhh, right.

Have you looked at the top of the page lately??? Just suggesting.

[Eleanors38]

125. Check #82.

[defacto7]

128. Ahhhh. LOL

I got it now....

[Eleanors38]

150. I think returning guns to the big stage was what the prohibitionists planned.

It was formerly in GC/RKBA only (when gun topics were verboten in GD), then the prohibitionists petitioned for a safe house and got Bansalot, then were allowed to post Anything in any language in GD for a year. Then were restricted after numerous complaints, then got the green light again. The tone has returned largely to the smear, denigration, and sigmatization strategy used before, all virtually and publicly "alert proof." During all this, the pro-2A side for the most part continued OPs in the appropriate groups.

That may change, now.

[kcr]

129. You're not supposed to make gun posts in GD! It's the rulez!

And some people get hopping mad at that, oh boy.

[sarisataka]

86. Likely would have to be open carry

it's not easy to conceal

[spin]

141. Of course not. Why would any rational individual wish to own a nuclear weapon ...

for self defense?

Even a nuclear hand grenade would be worthless in a close encounter with an attacker. (Assuming such a weapon has ever be made which is doubtful.)

The object of a personal protection weapon is to enable you to survive by stopping an attack by someone who intends to seriously injure or kill you and has the ability or the weapon to do so. Survive is the key word.

[liberal_at_heart]

75. That's a shame.

[Eleanors38]

89. I back Demos & put up with their gun ban stuff.

Can you afford Wendy Davis that same consideration?

[ErikJ]

87. She probably NEEDS it!

Lots of Texans have probably threatened her.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

98. Considering the locals....

[Eleanors38]

122. Used to see postcards of some kid eating watermelon.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

160. I used to see deer hunting UAW workers in Michigan.

[Comrade Grumpy]

104. She's running for governor of Texas. n/t

[Arcanetrance]

115. Not really surprising you wouldn't run in support of more control in Texas if you hope to win

Just like you wouldn't run in support of easing gun control in NYC. It's all about what will sell locally.

[CANDO]

132. Ruh-roh!

That'll go over like a fart in church.

[blogslut]

134. So?

Are you trying to make some sort of point?

In an article that mostly centers on Ms. Davis' stance against establishing a state income tax to fund education because there are plenty of other avenues, your takeaway is the gun thing?

Curious.

[Skip Intro]

135. Hmmm. Yesss. How curious...

if you'd like to post a thread focusing on another part of the article, nobody's stopping ya...

[blogslut]

136. Okay.

Nobody's forcing you to answer.

Incidentally, I don't like guns and have/will never own one. Just the same, I don't see Ms. Davis' support of allowing workers to have guns in glove compartments to be that awful. It's not something I would do but having been a single woman who's had to walk in many a dark parking lot after her shift, I understand how some would feel the need for a blammo stick. It's a hell of a lot better than wanting people to have them in bars and schools - which are ridiculously bad ideas.

So, have fun with your OP.

[PDittie]

148. She voted R in the past. She's law-partnered with an R.

She's voted in favor of legislation that would help the frackers with their water problems.

What's amazing is that all this is not good enough for Texas Republicans. They're still going to call her AB, golddigger, liar. They're still going to go full tilt with the slut-shaming.

Yes, Texas is fucked up. I've lived here all my life and this is what we have now. The choice is Davis or Rick Perry on wheels. (Yes, there will be a Green and a Libertarian on the November ballot that will get about 1% and 3%, historically speaking.)

[Avalux]

152. She wouldn't get elected here without saying that.

I don't have a problem with it. Now if she started hanging out with gun nut groups and toting a rifle aka Sarah Palin, that would be different.

[MO_Moderate]

157. Gotta love common sense moderate Democrats

[B Calm]

164. A liberal with a gun is not a rarity.

[Bucky]

165. She's doing this in a state where expanded gun ownership will do little harm

If you live in Texas and ain't packing a piece, it's cause you don't want to pack a piece. It's like getting up set at a Maine politician for wanting to eat more clam chowder. Once an issue reaches a saturation point, you have to just shrug and move on to more strategically useful territory.

[nil desperandum]

177. Bill of rights

I actually like her more for this, from a purely constitutional viewpoint I am concerned that infringement of one amendment leads to infringement of all amendments. Precedent for legislative restrictions on amendments begins with well-intentioned laws that result in unintended consequences.

Restrictions on the 2nd lead to more restrictions on the 1st and 4th which are already under serious pressure.

I don't trust the government to honor any any of the Bill of Rights amendments or the protections offered under those amendments. Defense of the 2nd amendment is not necessarily a defense of senseless violence. In my view it's a sensible defense for the long game with respect to keeping all of our amendments unfettered and unrestricted as much as is possible in this day and age.

[X_Digger]

186. More popcorn required..

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152187632279802&set=a.131373499801.107171.103983379801&type=1&theater