This Just In ...

UPDATE: Franklin aldermen poised to deny residents their Constitutional rights

Posted by Kevin Fischer on Oct. 18, 2011

*IMPORTANT FRANKLIN COMMON COUNCIL MEETING TONIGHT AT 6:30 PM*

Previously on This Just In...

The following was sent to all city of Franklin aldermen today:


October 18, 2011

City of Franklin Aldermen,

I write in opposition, in its entirety, to item “G-1: Ordinance to amend the Municipal Code as it pertains to the carrying of concealed weapons within the City and certain City buildings” on tonight’s Common Council agenda.

After the long fought battle to restore a basic constitutional right here in the State of Wisconsin, I am disappointed that some feel the need to pass an ordinance that will again limit and deny this right to the citizens of Franklin beyond that already set forth in state law. I feel these limitations come from a basis of unwarranted fear that the experiences of some 39 (‘shall issue’ or ‘constitutional carry’) other states has proven to be unsubstantiated. Law abiding and licensed persons with concealed carry permits are not the persons that need to be feared in our society. They are in almost all cases the most responsible gun owners among us. This is borne out by the statistically low number of cases in which permits have been revoked due to inappropriate handling or use of a concealed weapon. These permit holders learn and are aware of the very serious repercussions and loss of their personal freedom that could go along with a defensive use of a handgun. They also are very aware of their right to be adequately prepared, if they so choose, to defend themselves should the need arise.

I notice the exception regarding law enforcement. By all means law enforcement should be armed. But, does that preclude the undeniable rights of every person in a free society to be afforded the same self protection rights? According to the Bill of Rights: That answer would be no. Are police officers somehow more worthy of the right to defend themselves than the general citizens? As much as we applaud the crime prevention efforts of law enforcement, and we should, the fact remains; when it comes to the commission of a crime, law enforcement are almost always crime responders. The person who is always at the scene when the crime occurs is the victim, and that victim is his only first line of defense.

At this year’s Franklin Night Out gathering, I asked the Police Chief, in light of what some other communities were doing, if he had any plans to offer CCW permit classes through the Franklin Police Department. I received a very curt ‘no’. His response to what the other communities were doing was: ‘with the liability… good luck to them’. I was disappointed. First: I’m unaware of any liability issues brought against any persons or organizations in connection with offering this training. Second: I cannot think of anyone more qualified or appropriate to provide this training to Franklin’s citizens then our own police force. Imagine, our police officers conducting face to face training with the very citizens that some contend they have the most to fear; getting to personally know those who may be carrying a weapon in Franklin, and allowing those citizens to get to know the officers. And that’s not to mention the revenue that could be generated.

I hope you give this some thoughtful consideration and do not overreact out of unjustified urgency and fear of issues that just haven’t materialized to any extent anywhere these laws have been in effect. What will be next… ‘No free speech allowed in this building’… ‘No free press allowed in this building’, check your pens and paper at the door.

Please vote “NO” and defeat the resolution that creates this infringement on constitutionally guaranteed rights.

Respectfully,

Scott A. Thinnes
(Address withheld by This Just In…)