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Letter to state legislature

Johnny_B

Regular Member
Joined
May 20, 2009
Messages
144
Location
Gulf Coast, Mississippi, USA
imported post

I sent a letter to the heads of the Senate and House Judiciary B committee’s, I don't necessarily think that it'll get anything done, but you have to try right? Here’s what I wrote:

To Mr. Tollison and Bailey,

I am writing this letter to you in hopes that the SEC. 97-37-1. (Deadly weapons; carrying while concealed; use or attempt to use; penalties.) code may be amended to give residents their rights per the state constitution. I am a citizen wishing to bear arms in defense of my person, as granted to me by Article 3, Section 12:

"The right of every citizen to keep and bear arms in defense of his home,
person, or property, or in the aid of the civil power when thereto legally
summoned, shall not be called in question, but the legislature may regulate
or forbid carrying concealed weapons."

However, SEC. 97-37-1 (1) states in short:

"...any person who carries, concealed in whole or in part, any bowie knife, dirk knife, butcher knife, switchblade knife, metallic knuckles, blackjack, slingshot, pistol, revolver..."

I am hoping to get SEC. 97-37-1 (1) amended to strike concealed “or in part" struck from the code. I am not trying to advocate unlicensed conceal carry in Mississippi, I am hoping to allow the open, visible, and recognizable carry of a firearm on my person in defense of my person legally in Mississippi.

As far as I know it is illegal to openly carry a firearm in defense of one’s self per L.M., Jr. v. State, 600 So.2d 967, 971 (Miss. 1992)

The ruling states, as far as I have found:

"[A] revolver carried in a holster on a man's hip was a partially concealed weapon. Conceivably, carrying a revolver suspended from the neck by a leather throng could be partially concealing it.", Lee, J., concurring."

As our constitution grants me the right to bear arms in defense of myself, I cannot legally carry a firearm NOT concealed in Ms per this ruling.

This is why I am hoping you will concur and strike "or in part" from Miss. Code §§ 97-37-1 & § 45-9-101 to allow Mississippi residents the right to bear arms openly in a holster, visible and recognizable with no attempt to conceal or hide it.

I thank you for your time,
Sincerely,
Johnny_B



I'll keep you guys updated on anything I get back from the legislature and again my user name is in place of actual name since I'm paranoid like that :p
 

Johnny_B

Regular Member
Joined
May 20, 2009
Messages
144
Location
Gulf Coast, Mississippi, USA
imported post

HungSquirrel wrote:
Nicely done. No switchblade knives without a permit, eh? Wonder if my assisted-opening Kershaw counts?
Nope, assisted-opening is not a switchblade :)

Kindof like how instead of a pistol grip during the AWB, it was a thumbhole ;)

Switchblades that have a button pushed and they come out are what the statute refers to.
 
Joined
May 19, 2007
Messages
2,269
Location
baton rouge, Louisiana, USA
imported post

VERY, VERY,VERY minor point: the state constitution doesn't "grant" a right.
That would be a privilege.
What it does is attempt to define, guarantee and protect a God-given right.

Wish the best for your efforts, especially most folks would rather spend their time bickering.

No wonder OC is such a struggle.
 

Johnny_B

Regular Member
Joined
May 20, 2009
Messages
144
Location
Gulf Coast, Mississippi, USA
imported post

mark edward marchiafava wrote:
VERY, VERY,VERY minor point: the state constitution doesn't "grant" a right.
That would be a privilege.

Your right but i think the legislature shouldnt bust my chops over such a minor point and if they do its just a way to get out of it.

I dont expect much from my single efforts but we have to push someones buttons to get ours rights back.

I do thank you for your luck.

People will always have differing opinions but hopefully we all agree, though some on here dont, that OC is what i want and for the sheep to be educated about it.

Thanks again,
Johnny_b
 
Joined
May 19, 2007
Messages
2,269
Location
baton rouge, Louisiana, USA
imported post

It's not that I think the legislature would even NOTICE it,
I was merely pointing out for your own knowledge we should all quit thinking in that mode.
The state can only grant privileges, rights come from God. At least that's just one of many thoughts I share with the very persons who founded this once-great Republic.
 
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