Wyatt Earp, We Need You Now

Florida is getting ready to turn back the clock to the days of the wild west - and as a side note, why do the Republicans and Teabaggers insist on backward movement? Wouldn't moving forward be a better option for our country? That is just a rhetorical question; an answer is not required. Anyway, back to the 19th century mentality that is infecting this state and this country. To control lawlessness and put a damper on utter stupidity, Marshall Earp banned the carrying of guns in the city. Apparently Tombstone became a much quieter, and more peaceful place.

Now Florida is pondering having the state go in the opposite direction by allowing open-carry by all citizens, both the sane and deranged. Part of the irony of this plan is that Florida revamped their gun laws a number of years ago and in the process the wording inadvertently allowed open-carry. The Florida Legislature couldn't act quickly enough to correct their mistake and for a very brief period every whacko in the state was packing heat on their hip. "Oh my," went the hue and cry from the masses, "Florida is going to be like Tombstone (before the Earp gun ban)."

So what is different between then and now? Florida is mostly urbanized. We don't have pissed off, crazed savages looking to take our scalps for minor, perceived transgressions. Actually, I think the crazed savages are taking everything but our scalps at their gambling establishments, but that is another issue entirely. Why on Earth does the average citizen feel the need to carry, openly or concealed?

I keep hearing the same tired argument about only crimanals having guns. Well, lets consider the scenario where everybody is carrying their 2nd Amendment rights around with them. According to Florida Statute 790.10, that weapon had best be kept holstered unless needed for self defense. So, there your pistol-packin' self is paying for your groceries, enjoying a meal at your favorite gourmet food establishment, or tossing back a couple of shots at your local bar (whoops on that last one - see F.S. 790.151) and some Right-wing Patriot comes through the door with guns blazing in the mistaken belief that he (or she) has entered into a roomful of Liberals. Keep in mind that this bozo is locked and loaded and is popping caps right and far right.

Now, those of you cowboys who didn't immediately wind up in Boothill are justified in slappin' leather and engaging in a shootout that makes the O.K. Corral look like a Sunday social. You just may cut down the bad guy, but keep in mind that he was ready and you were taken by surprise. He has that advantage, not to mention mobility. You are either on the floor or behind a counter - remember? On the plus side, one of you may be able to bring this clown down - hopefully without too much collateral damage. Friendly fire can be such a bitch!

I am not saying we shouldn't own guns. I would truly miss my shaved and polished S&W Model 10 with the 4 inch bull barrel and the 158 grain, semi-jacketed, Plus P hollow points. I can't see packing it everywhere I go, though. It would look really silly at the beach with my Speedo, but who knows what creatures one might find lurking amongst the sea oats. I keep my Model 10 in case lunatics like that Right-wing Republican laundry guy in South Tampa I used to do business with grows a set and decides "to take back the country through armed revolt" instead of just mouthing off about it. His mentor, Communist Chairman Mao Tse-Tung, would be proud - since "Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun." So said Chairman Mao.

Whether you carry or not, if you own a firearm in Florida you should seriously consider Jon H. Gutmacher's book, and for Christ's sake - get rid of that wild west, cowboy mentality. A firearm is not the answer or the solution to this country's problems.