Let's talk about something important.

Guns.
The Second Amendment (Amendment II) to the United States Constitution is the part of the United States Bill of Rights that protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms. It was adopted on December 15, 1791, along with the rest of the Bill of Rights.

Why do I bring this up? Because there is a proposal to bring a concealed carry law to Illinois. This both excites and frightens me. For those who don't know a conceal carry law will allow citizens with the proper permits, to carry a weapon(gun) under their clothing(concealed).

Now the Army/Law Enforcement side of me silently squealed for joy because the thought of me being able to carry all the time is almost a dream come true. But then I started thinking and talking about it with friends/coworkers/family.

So here's my thoughts..... *disclaimer* This is my opinion, it is not that of the Army, all law enforcement officers, my family or friends. Just ME.

Pros

*Crime rates will probably decrease, maybe not a whole lot and maybe not right away, but some decrease is better than none. Criminals are less likely(less, I'm not saying it won't happen) to mug/assault/car jack someone if they suspect the person is carrying a weapon. On this note, I'd prefer an open carry so it's openly obvious that someone is carrying and can/will defend themselves.

*It's a second amendment right.

*People can defend themselves when in a situation that their/or a loved one's life is at risk.



Cons

*People will try to be heroes. Just because you see a guy getting jumped in an alley does not mean it's a good idea to pull out your gun and try to save the day. In the end of the day you are still a private citizen and in no way have the right to do law enforcement's job.

*People who normally may not act violently, might feel a bit more gutsy and may be more likely to act violently. Example, on a DUI stop, if an officer stops someone who may fight a bit then apologize later it's not a *huge* deal. But if they're armed, they may be more likely to shoot an officer even if they wouldn't normally in their right/sober mind.


Problems/Solutions:
How do you decide who get's a concealed carry permit?
Suggestions: No felons, period. In the state of Illinois we have a Firearms Owner Identification Card(FOID) and anyone with a convicted felony/assault/domestic/violent charge is denied a FOID. Same should go for concealed carry and I think the background check should be even more thorough. I'd also be inclined to say that applicants should go through a psychiatric evaluation, polygraph test, and a question/answer board. But I know I'm a bit crazy :D

How will people know when they can use their weapon?
Education, education, education. Every person who applies for a concealed carry permit should be forced to take a class. The class should include fingerprinting of applicants, state/local laws(IE citizens arrest), how to properly shoot/clean/maintain a weapon. There should be scenarios that are given and a test that applicants must pass.


So what are your thoughts on concealed carry? Does your state have it?