Gun Rights, Gun Fights: Texas Expands, Colorado Readies Recalls

This past weekend’s Texas Weapon Collector’s Gun Show at the Multi Purpose Events Center was, once again, a huge success.  Show promoter Joe Tom White says about 75% of the vendors at this show has already signed up to appear at the August show.  In fact, the space occupied at MPEC by the show double from 20,000 to 40,000 square feet, due in large part to the growing crowds at the doors.

I’ve told you in the past that I firmly believe a large part of the massive government ammo purchases is an attempt at backdoor gun control.  Prices are definitely a reflection of the scarcity of the most popular calibers.  But the big news on the gun control front is just how badly the gun grab campaign is backfiring in Colorado.  Many of you may recall that the Colorado legislature, in a hasty move meant to please the Dear Leader in DC no doubt, voted to enact some new gun laws recently.  Among them, for example, a law making it illegal to sell or trade magazines which hold more than 15 rounds in the state of Colorado.

Now, the chickens are coming home to roost for the Colorado Legislature.  So far, four democratic lawmakers in the Centennial State are facing recall attempts.  The Colorado Secretary of State has signed off on recall petitions for Senate President John Morse, Senators Angela Giron of Pueblo and Evie Hudak of Westminster and Rep. Mike McLachlan of Durango.  Second Amendment proponents are rallying across the country with particular focus on places like Colorado, which is viewed by some as a battleground state for firearms freedoms.  Texas, of course, is very gun-rights friendly and the close proximity of Colorado makes the fight there more than a little close to home.

Most recall attempts fail.  Take the case of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker last year.  Walker’s 2011 Wisconsin Act 10, which sought to help balance Wisconsin’s budget, made fairly deep cuts in public sector jobs.  Thousands of government employee’s, particularly teachers, led the charge to oust Walker.  Walker ultimately won the recall election.  By contrast, the 2005 recall of Wichita Falls Mayor Bill Altman was successful, with a 7,119 to 3,445 vote.  It will be a tough fight in Colorado, but ultimately, they may find their anti-gun stance will have poisoned the political waters more than anyone realized.

Texas, meanwhile, remains at the forefront of gun rights for the people.  A number of measures are headed to the governor’s desk.  Among the bills Governor Perry is expected to sign is a measure that would allow college students to have firearms and ammunition locked in their cars on campus.  The bill appears to be little more than a symbolic gesture in its watered-down form.  Individual campuses will still be able to prohibit CHL holders from carrying on campus.  One law enforcement official tells News Talk 1290 that the average ‘active shooter’ event lasts under six minutes.  Given the parking situations on most campuses, common sense tells us it would be virtually impossible for a responsible gun owner to escape the situation, retrieve their weapon and return to stop the shooter.