Didn't I Say . . .

Organized Idiocy

. . . that nothing would happen in the wake of the shootings in Tucson, Arizona, last week? Didn't I? Well, brothers and sisters, I was wrong. Way wrong, because the state of Arizona is taking definite steps in response the tragedy. A host of new bills expanding already insane gun laws are being proposed in the state's legislature. "I don't think it really changes anything," Republican state Sen. Ron Gould said of the mass shooting. "I don't see how gun control could have prevented that shooting unless you take guns out of the hands of law-abiding citizens."

The head of the Arizona Citizens Defense League decried the "Nervous Nellies" who are concerned by a proposed law that would allow faculty and students to carry concealed weapons on campus. The Arizona Republicans, who control the state legislature, also have proposed laws "barring landlords and homeowner groups from restricting the right to bear arms in self defense, and expanding the current law that allows gun owners to display a weapon in self defense." And according to a spokesman the AZ Citizens Defense League, its "priority bill" hasn't been unveiled yet. Oh, goody! Can't wait to see that one.

Did you know that Arizona is one of three states allowing people to carry concealed weapons without getting training and a background check? It boggles my mind.

Related articles

• Jeff Biggers: Now Arizona Wants to Allow Concealed Guns on Campuses (huffingtonpost.com)
• An historical perspective on gun control in Arizona (dailykos.com)
• Factbox: U.S. guns laws among the most permissive in world (reuters.com)
• Terrifying: Gun Sales Surge in Arizona After Shooting (alternet.org)