Yeah, let's keep voting for those '2A supporting' Republicans

[JAB]

Well, showing their true colors it looks like both Haslam and Ramsey are coming out in opposition to the bill that would allow faculty and staff to carry on university campuses in TN. I'm still trying to figure out how in the hell Haslam was any better a choice than McWherter unless you own stock in Pilot (as in both were piss poor choices.) I am disappointed in Ramsey, who claimed to be on the side of firearms rights.

Gov. Bill Haslam, Ramsey line up against guns on campus » Knoxville News Sentinel

[Worriedman]

One has to remember that the Republican Party in Tennessee is controlled by our "Senior Statesman" Lamar Alexander, arguably the most anti-gun Legislator in the Nation, more especially insidious in that he hides behind his plaid-shirt purported every-man facade. He and the Old School Blue Blood "Moderates" have great designs for Haslam. Can't have him showing any gains for Firearms issues during his tenure as Governor.

I too am disappointed in Ramsey, I HAD respect for him prior to this announcement.

I would suppose that when you are afforded taxpayer funded armed security for your every step, (and most likely for all family members as well), being able to provide it for yourself is not so important an issue.

Edited April 25, 2011 by Worriedman

[leroy]

All:____________

I've said before that Haslam is using the "Howard Baker" and "Lamar Alexander" playbook to do his political posturing. Haslam simply says what each constituency wants to hear and then makes some seemingly reasonable pronouncement such as "i believe we should let the administrators make that decision"; and that he finds "troublesome" any pronouncement that holds these "administrators" to any reasonable standard (...e.g.-- keeping our children safe at college...). I contend that Ramsey is "bought and paid for" by the Haslam camp and can be counted on to back Haslam in whatever he says.

I agree with JAB. Polititians are all "polititians". I disagree with him on McWherter. McWherter is a socialist; Haslam is, at least, a capitalist. All that being said; you are seeing exactly what is wrong with politics. It's all about deals; not "doing the right thing". They are all in it together. We need to clean both parties out. That's why you need something like the "Tea Party".

By the way, thanks for posting the article.

Radical libertarian leroy

[Guest 6.8 AR]

Not disagreeing with any of you guys about the

politics at all, but the one thing I did see wrong

with the bill was that it was for the teachers'

ability only, wasn't it? What about any adult

with a carry permit? I couldn't trust a teacher

with a gun to provide for my safety.

That bill should have been for all law abiding

citizens, not just a few.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[pegasusrider]

Not disagreeing with any of you guys about the

politics at all, but the one thing I did see wrong

with the bill was that it was for the teachers'

ability only, wasn't it? What about any adult

with a carry permit? I couldn't trust a teacher

with a gun to provide for my safety.

That bill should have been for all law abiding

citizens, not just a few.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It says full time faculty and staff. The colleges employ a lot of part time and contracted "temp" staff as well as adjunct faculty. They are creating an elite class that can carry and will prohibit a lot employees the right to carry that do the same jobs as those elite if they pass it as currently written.

[Worriedman]

Here is a different article:

AP News: Haslam, Ramsey line up against guns on campus

It gives a slightly different take, and different quotes, allowing that Ramsey AND Haslam are for passing the "Parking Lot Bill"???

[macville]

I am very sad to see Ramsey standing up there against this bill. I would think he would understand that if we are going to ever get carry on campus's passed, it's not going to be one sweeping reform. It seems like, due to plenty of chicken Republicans, that it will have to be chipped away until the right if fully restored. While I wasn't crazy about this bill, it was a step in the right direction because at least SOME people gained rights, where as right now all people, except LEO's are stripped of their rights when walking on to campus.

BTW, does he know something we don't know about the parking lot carry bill? It certainly does not look good right now in it's current form (worthless bill), so even if it was passed, it wouldn't do much of anything to actually help anyone.

[gregintenn]

You didn't really think they'd stand up to the teachers' union did you? Remember these three words: "ALL POLITICIANS SUCK!!!"

[Guest friesepferd]

Not disagreeing with any of you guys about the

politics at all, but the one thing I did see wrong

with the bill was that it was for the teachers'

ability only, wasn't it? What about any adult

with a carry permit? I couldn't trust a teacher

with a gun to provide for my safety.

That bill should have been for all law abiding

citizens, not just a few.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

well ya, obviously the bill could be better by letting everyone carry, but that sure as heck isnt why these people are against it.

any right minded pro-carry person would gladly take this bill as step one, then keep pushing for it to be relivant for everyone down the road.

[G27]

Further proof that the only difference between the dems and repubs is that the dems will TELL you they are going to screw you before doing it. The repubs just lie about it then do the same thing.

[Worriedman]

I just got off the phone with the Lt. Governors office, was not able to speak with him directly, but did have a fairly long conversation with one of his staff members that I know.

His is a realistic appraisal of the situation. With the perception of the "Top Management" of the current Republican Party regarding firearms issues, Ramsey is doing what he can. Earlier in the session, it become apparent that legislation bearing on firearms was not going to be a priority of the Governor or the Leadership in the House. Communication with his office has shown that "Parking Lot Bill" to be the single most referenced issue. I believe that he is doing his best to at least get that issue passed, knowing that there is a finite amount of political capital to be expended in the session with regards to firearms issues.

I can remember when he carried the Handgun Carry Bill as a Senator. In my view, (as insignificant as that is) there is no stronger supporter of the gun owner in Tennessee Government. I wish he had a magic wand to wave and give us all that we want and desire, but that is not the case.

[Guest HvyMtl]

+1 Crimsonaudio

Zero surprise here. Wings of the same vulture.

[eapking]

Very disappointed in Ramsey. No surprise for RINO-delux Haslam.

[Guest 6.8 AR]

well ya, obviously the bill could be better by letting everyone carry, but that sure as heck isnt why these people are against it.

any right minded pro-carry person would gladly take this bill as step one, then keep pushing for it to be relivant for everyone down the road.

Just so you know where I stand on this. "Well ya." Sometimes steps may lead to the wrong porch. I want the same thing a lot of college students want: the right to protect themselves. I can't say I know enough college professors that I would trust to protect from an armed gunman in a classroom situation anyway. The issue in other states is about lawful carry on campuses, not just for teachers. In fact, even without researching this, I doubt there are very many proposals in other states that permit only teachers, and janitors, if you wish. The prevailing proposals are that lawful carry be allowed on campus.

Take your baby steps if you like, but make sure that the legislation really means something, other than another exclusion.

The ivory towers should be replaced with Mickey Mouse ears if this was some kind of good legislation to anyone.

Bad laws that keep on excluding classes will never replace good law.

[East_TN_Patriot]

At this point, I would be content to see the parking lot carry law pass just so I could keep my firearm locked in my car when I am parked on campus so I have it when driving to and from the university. Here I am a former cop and police firearms instructor, PhD student, part-time college instructor, have a carry permit, and somehow I can't even be trusted to keep it locked in my freaking car.

[macville]

I just got off the phone with the Lt. Governors office, was not able to speak with him directly, but did have a fairly long conversation with one of his staff members that I know.

His is a realistic appraisal of the situation. With the perception of the "Top Management" of the current Republican Party regarding firearms issues, Ramsey is doing what he can. Earlier in the session, it become apparent that legislation bearing on firearms was not going to be a priority of the Governor or the Leadership in the House. Communication with his office has shown that "Parking Lot Bill" to be the single most referenced issue. I believe that he is doing his best to at least get that issue passed, knowing that there is a finite amount of political capital to be expended in the session with regards to firearms issues.

I can remember when he carried the Handgun Carry Bill as a Senator. In my view, (as insignificant as that is) there is no stronger supporter of the gun owner in Tennessee Government. I wish he had a magic wand to wave and give us all that we want and desire, but that is not the case.

Here's the thing though. If you are not going to support it because it's just not going to get passed this session, that's fine. But to stand up with Haslam and ANNOUNCE that you are not going to support it, that's stupid if you really are for our rights. It's much wiser to vote yes when it comes up, but don't push for it. That way you don't look bad in our eyes and don't give the opposite side ammo that "oh, he didn't support it either!"

I thought Ramsey was more savvy than this, but evidently not.

[leroy]

All:____________

As ive said several times before; i believe Ramsey is "bought and paid for" by the Haslam camp and can be counted on to back Haslam in whatever issue (...no matter how stupid...) or position he takes up.

The payoff: "...Backing from the Haslam organization in a future gubanatorial election after the "Snozz" runs for Alexander's senate seat to take his "rightful place" in the political arena.... .

Remember this: "....Most polititians can be bought. Once you establish that they can be bought, the only thing left is to quibble over the price...".

I like Ramsey, but he is, at heart, a sorry polititian. Having said all this; if fully understand that it will be offensive to some, but i firmly believe it is the truth.

Remember the words of Jesus: "....Wisdom is proved right by her children...". We'll soon see if im right or not.

By the way, i sincerely hope i am wrong about this; but it aint lookin too good now.

Suspicious leroy

[Tim Nunan]

Senator Campfield has a different view of this: Camp4u

[JayC]

At this point, I would be content to see the parking lot carry law pass just so I could keep my firearm locked in my car when I am parked on campus so I have it when driving to and from the university. Here I am a former cop and police firearms instructor, PhD student, part-time college instructor, have a carry permit, and somehow I can't even be trusted to keep it locked in my freaking car.

I don't think the parking lot bill would help you at all by itself... The way it's worded, it would have no impact on the law making it illegal to carry on school/college property.

[leroy]

....Senator Campfield has a different view of this: Camp4u

Interesting read. We'll see.

Watin leroy

PS- Thanks for posting the link.

[macville]

This is where Ramsey needs to come out blasting the media for taking what he said (if that's accurate) and reading into it stuff that wasn't there.

[bajabuc]

I should run...I need some graft so I won't be poor.

[RobertNashville]

Well, showing their true colors it looks like both Haslam and Ramsey are coming out in opposition to the bill that would allow faculty and staff to carry on university campuses in TN. I'm still trying to figure out how in the hell Haslam was any better a choice than McWherter unless you own stock in Pilot (as in both were piss poor choices.) I am disappointed in Ramsey, who claimed to be on the side of firearms rights.

Gov. Bill Haslam, Ramsey line up against guns on campus » Knoxville News Sentinel

After meeting both and while McWherter seemed like a genuinely nice guy, there was no question in my mind when I voted nor is there now that Haslam was by far the best candidate. That said, anyone who didn't realize how "soft" he is and will continue to be on firearm issues simply wasn't paying attention. As such, his stand on the bill, while I wish it were otherwise, is not all the disappointing and certainly not surprising.

Lt. Governor Ramsey, on the other hand is a severe disappointment and, for what it's worth, I've already told him so. He has both painted himself as pro-firearms and up until now, has been pretty consistent in his support...what happened now with this legislation was a shock for me.

Republicans have been saying for decades that things would change if there were ever given control in Tennessee but I didn't know that the changes they were talking about was a big yellow streak down their backside.

Edited April 26, 2011 by RobertNashville

[leroy]

....I should run...I need some graft so I won't be poor. ....

I like it!!!

Keep up the good work!

leroy

[R_Bert]

Be sure and let your state senator, state representative, house and senate leaders, committee leaders, and the governor know what you want on the issue.

I did.

You can find their emails here - Legislators - TN General Assembly

My two reps responded, and made UTK take the time to write me a letter a few days ago.

Ask legitimate questions that require a response from the other side. Use some of their time. You pay for it anyway.

B.