The Chicago Tribune had a big story about new battles erupting over gun laws across the country:
ATLANTA—Following the U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down a ban on handguns, gun opponents are fighting to preserve or expand gun-free zones, igniting battles over whether civilians should be allowed to carry loaded weapons to places such as airports, public parks and even the Magic Kingdom.
The same day a new law went into effect in Georgia allowing people who have obtained a legal license to carry loaded weapons into restaurants that sell liquor, state parks and public transit systems, Atlanta officials declared Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport off-limits, citing security concerns. Gun proponents immediately filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging the decision.
Georgia’s always featured prominently in such stories. Sentiment here is such that even our governor was proud to say that he, too, believes that guns belong in airports. But what about that “legal license” provision?
In order for a new driver to get a license, one must first get a learner’s permit, then pass an eye test, a written test, and a driving test. Are there any tests required in order to carry a concealed weapon in Georgia parks, restaurants, transit system, or even the busiest airport in the United States of America?
The answer: NO!
So just how does one go about procuring a legal license to carry a gun in Georgia? A visit to GeorgiaPacking.org (these are the people who took the Atlanta airport to court to fight for your right to carry a gun in the terminal) shows you need only be 21, have a valid ID, and no criminal or mental health record (you also have to be “lawfully present in the United States”).
I feel safer already!