Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Texas Lt. Governor Flip-flops on Gun Bills

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has had to scramble this week to stay ahead of the state's gun politics. (Photo: Dallas Morning News)
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has had to scramble this week to stay ahead of the state’s gun politics. (Photo: Dallas Morning News)

Guns dot com

Within a 48-hour period, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick first said the time wasn’t right for gun reform legislation then praised a campus carry measure while backpedaling to explain his comments.

The confusion began Tuesday when Patrick, who made promises during his election campaign to support a pro-gun agenda, told local media that the state legislature, which began its session earlier this month, had priorities other than passing bills to expand open carry rights in the Lone Star State.

“Second Amendment rights are very important, but open carry has not reached the level of being prioritized at this point,” Patrick said during a Texas Tribune event. “I don’t think the votes are there.”

Within hours, gun control advocates such as the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, who urged members to contact Patrick with notes of support, celebrated his comments.

9 comments:

  1. Such is the power of the voter with modern communications.

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  2. Old news. He has already flipped back following a torrent of phone calls, faxes, letters and email.

    His campaign was centered on open carry and promised it. He is being held to that promise
    . The governor is also holding him to that promise.

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    1. Yet, in another recent post I did, open carry seems like a loser in Texas.

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    2. It may be Mike, but just today Dan Patrick introduced 2 of the 9 bills to be considered and voted on. Greg Abbott has indicated that special sessions may be possible to pass open carry in one form or another. Seems the governor is bent on getting it done.

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    3. Well, I am certainly enjoying the new open carry laws in Texas. And nobody seems to care. No 911 calls. No gasps. No nothing. Looks like you are wrong about your predictions Mike.

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    4. I guess your selective observation is serving you well. Actually there've been several stories about how many businesses are putting the sign up as well as the usual unnecessary scares when one of you nuts parades around with a gun in places where they're not usually seen. Keep deluding yourself, though.

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  3. Wow--a politician who was successfully reminded that his purpose is to serve those who have put him in office. Who'da thunk?

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  4. The gun loons position isn't as strong as they would have us believe. Politicians swinging to the prevailing public winds, what a surprise.

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    1. Looks like the "gun loons" position is far stronger than you have believed Sammy. Politicians actually representing the voters who put them in office. How refreshing!

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