Those who lived through the stormy debate in 1994 over Wichita’s adoption of a restrictive gun ordinance may have missed the recent action by the Kansas Legislature trumping local control on gun issues. Never mind that Wichita voters upheld the restrictions, including a five-day waiting period for gun purchases, in an advisory vote at the time. The City Council could formally challenge the new state law on the grounds that it infringes on the city’s home rule powers. But this is not the same council as it was in 1994 — in either personnel or political leanings — so it seems likely to acquiesce when the issue comes up at today’s meeting. Naturally, this move comes just as Wichita is experiencing a surge in gang activity, too — one of the reasons behind the ordinance in the first place. It doesn’t seem right that legislators voided the will of Wichitans, never mind the public safety consequences.
Posted by Rhonda Holman
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10 Comments
You seem to have left out the second amendment to the federal constitution in your analysis. We also had a war that determined once and for all that we have a top-down system of government. That means that it all flows downstream from the federal government, except the money of course. Somehow, money is required to travel upstream to spawn.
So what’s your opinion on the ‘wishes for gun control’ if you consider these facts?
What does the recent surge in gang violence have to do with Wichita’s gun laws? They weren’t abiding by the laws to begin with.
I agree with Paul! The black market for guns is apparent in the USA. You can get a really cheap gutter gun on the street in no time! All you have to do is ask!
I can’t believe I’m hearing the same recycled nonsense that used to be offered up against passage of the Brady bill. Just as soon as Brady (and the Wichita ordinances) were passed, thousands and thousands of people with criminal records and other disqualifying facts began being turned down when they tried to buy a firearm – they were not buying on the black market. Isn’t it joyous that we will now have gun shows at Century II and the Downtown Arena?
I can’t believe I’m hearing the same recycled nonsense that used to be offered up against passage of the Brady bill. Just as soon as Brady (and the Wichita ordinances) were passed, thousands and thousands of people with criminal records and other disqualifying facts began being turned down when they tried to buy a firearm – they were not buying on the black market. Isn’t it joyous that we will now have gun shows at Century II and the Downtown Arena?
It seems that anytime a person starts that same old rag about gun control, they bring out all the facts and fiction about crime and criminal activity. Hey, guess what?? These people are CRIMINALS, they don’t care about gun control laws, or any other law for that matter. THEY ARE CRIMINALS… Don’t you get it? The only people that get punished by restrictive gun laws are law-abiding people who enjoy firearms. Whether it be for hunting, sport shooting, target shooting, or whatever.
Why dont we look at the purpose of what the State Legislature did with their bill?
I believe it was passed with the intention of making sure that we law abiding citizens who transport firearms are not made into criminals by overly restrictive laws on the transportation of our firearms.
What about gang activity? Explain to me how the Wichita restrictions on guns does anything to stop gang activity or limit it?
Obviously it wasnt working since this year has seen increases in gang violence with firearms.
What is the problem with making a set standard of rules for everyone in the state so that everytime I or anyone else decides to drive through town we are not breaking 50 different gun laws that a bunch of gun hating city council members were able to pass?
Maybe the state of Kansas should take a long hard look at what the gun law is here in the state of Arizona.
Here in the wild west, one can carry a gun just about anywhere, just as long as it can be seen in plain sight.
Then there is the concealed weapons permit.
I have been so happy that I made the move years ago, and the left the land of OZ!!!
Maybe it’s not the guns, maybe it’s the one pulling the trigger. In that case gun ownership is not a right but a priviledge. There is nothing in the Second Ammendment that forbids regulation of firearms. In fact, there’s nothing in it about firearms in general, unless “arms” automatically means firepower. Why not treat it like a driver’s licensing, with periodic certifications for owners? Don’t get me wrong, I do fancy a bit of the sport of target shooting myself. Now, if only I know how to ski…
All things aside, it continues to baffle me about countries with higher number of guns per capita than the US, but much much lower rate of gun violence. Are we that cowardly to quickly hide behind a piece of metal when we don’t get our way?
Freedom isn’t free. If you’re not willing to assume risks, then you’re begging for am “all-powerful government.”