I don’t know much about Kansas besides, it’s the place where Dorothy’s home from the Wizard of Oz. I now have a few more reasons that concern me about making a visit to the state anytime soon. It seems Governor Sam Brownback has signed into law one of the more extreme measures in gun right laws I have heard of. Most states may not want to restrict any gun rights, but they believe in open carry laws. Brownback’s state now allows people over the age of 21 to conceal their weapons and get this part, they don’t need any permits or advanced training. I get the feeling the Wild Wild West is making a comeback.
“Responsible gun ownership – for protection and sport – is a right inherent in our Constitution. It is a right that Kansans holds dear and has repeatedly and overwhelmingly reaffirmed a commitment to protecting,” says Brownback. Even research suggests an 8% increase in aggravated assault in cases in states of concealed carry laws.
Brownback is 0 for 2. He is also is denying school districts $51 million dollars, which is forcing schools to close down early in the year. Concordia district is closing down six days early and Twin Valley districts are closing 12 days early. While the kids are probably thanking their lucky stars, the parents aren’t happy about it. Since 2008 Governor Brownback has cut education spending by 16.5% and the consequences have had the opposite desired result. The state’s economy is not growing as fast as the national average, but the poverty rate has risen.
Hearing these new laws passed and imagining the fallout is only going to hurt the state of Kansas and the people of that great state. My only gripe is with the Governor and his lack of empathy and safety for the citizens. This just adds on to a long list of reasons why I would never want to live in a conceal carry state and a state that doesn’t like to spend on education.
