It has been about three weeks since permitless carry went into effect. The law, which some call “constitutional carry,” was the first law signed by Gov. Kevin Stitt. Cacky Poarch, a Moms Demand Action volunteer, was an active advocate against the law. She said enough incidents have already happened to prove the law is dangerous. […]
weapons
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Commentary: Personal patrol rifles blow apart community trust
No one is made safer as a result of policies that manufacture unnecessary, degrading, frightening and potentially violent interactions between the police and the communities they serve. No one.
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Getting real about gun danger
A few weeks ago, we talked about Sally Kern’s “common sense” proposal to stop being so harsh on kids who wield weapon-shaped objects at classmates. The bill suggested that any child who creates a toy weapon and plays with it like one would play with a gun should not be harassed, punished or condescended to. […]
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Letters to the Editor: Feb. 11, 2014
Not to be flippant, but I ask, “Why would we not?” Creating and appreciating art is one of our most basic instincts and is one of the first steps any primitive people take toward becoming a civilized society. At the first breath of ease when we rise above sheer survival mode, we create art. We […]
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Let’s talk about gun laws
A few weeks ago, after the verdict in the George Zimmerman trial, I announced that I am convening an interim legislative study this November on Oklahoma’s so-called “Stand Your Ground” and open-carry laws. As the representative for Oklahoma House District 97 in eastern Oklahoma County, these laws are, indeed, an issue that has weighed heavy […]
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Battle royale
Photo: Heather Brown Through battleground memorabilia and personal mementos, the summer exhibition at Edmond Historical Society & Museum localizes a Civil War battle’s overwhelming death and destruction. The Legacy of Gettysburg coincides with the historic battle’s 150th anniversary. A museum patron’s private collection supplied approximately 110 pieces from the Battle of Gettysburg, including rifles, swords, […]
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Liberal angst
The statement that “by opposing background checks for gun buyers, Coburn and Inhofe voted in favor of allowing the mentally ill and criminals to buy guns” is pernicious. First, the National Instant Criminal Background Check System is still in effect for gun buyers just as it has been since 1994; second, opposition to the legislation […]
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Tough mothers
Nationally, Moms Demand Action has more than 100,000 members, with 90 chapters in 40 states. In Oklahoma, organizers say it is gaining more members every day. “We have been pleasantly surprised by the support we have received,” said Sabine Brown, a founder of the state chapter. “I think a lot of people have been afraid […]
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Slippery definitions
1) Mentally unstable people shouldn’t own firearms. That’s great, but who deems someone “mentally unstable”? Are you mentally unstable if you regularly meet with a psychiatrist, a counselor, your minister or pastor, or a mentor? Maybe you are mentally unstable if you are a member of Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous or any other kind […]
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The biggest problem with guns
The letter from Vance Armor (”Beware a well-armed government, Jan. 16, Oklahoma Gazette) indicates that he learned neither of those lessons, nor the ones taught in what was once called “civics.” I served on the committee for examining the “active shooter” issue for the American College of Forensic Examiners. Our conclusion was that the greatest […]