The Gun Counter

Thursday, November 20, 2008
Editorial: Sheriff Hutchens' target: gun rights
The public spoke out clearly against restrictive concealed- carry rules. Was the sheriff listening?
An Orange County Register editorial
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It's a sad day when a county sheriff shows as much disdain for individual liberties as Sheriff Sandra Hutchens has shown in her pursuit of ham-fisted policies regarding concealed-carry permits for firearms. On Tuesday, the board of supervisors voted unanimously to call on the sheriff to loosen up her policies and allow wider latitude in granting permits to residents who say they need the permits.

Although Sheriff Hutchens was appointed by the board six months ago, she is under no obligation to follow the new instructions. At least the board spoke out on behalf of the gun-rights-supporting public, as more than 80 activists spoke out against the sheriff's policies during the board meeting. And at least Sheriff Hutchens sat through the entire meeting and got an appropriate earful from residents and elected officials.

More of this story..............

The only approach consistent with a free society is to allow permits to all who request them, unless the government can show cause for denying that right (mental instability, criminal convictions, etc.)