[Vision2020] Guns in Greenleaf

[Tom Hansen]

Perhaps this ordinance was agreeable to the town of Greenleaf, Idaho.  But, 
I strongly oppose such a measure here in Vandalville.

Heck, some people I wouldn't trust behind the wheel of an automobile.  I 
seriously doubt that giving everybody in Moscow a gun is the answer.

The article posted by Chas states:

"The proposed ordinance is modeled after a similar plan that went into place 
in 1982 in Kennesaw, Ga.  In that instance there was a dramatic decrease in 
criminal activity."

Prior to the ordninance, one can hardly imagine what Kennesaw, Georgia must 
have been like, such that giving everybody a gun dramatically decreased 
criminal activity.

However, should our city council EVER consider (let alone adopt) such an 
ordinance, I would actively oppose it.

And, yet, if such an ordinance is adopted, I strongly urge the city council 
to hold onto movie rights to "Shootout at Friendship Square".

Until then . . .

Seeya round town, pardner.

Tom Hansen
Vandalville, Idaho

PS - I know that I shold have listened to the voices and stayed home today 
to clean my guns.


>From: Chasuk <chasuk at gmail.com>
>To: Vision2020 <vision2020 at moscow.com>
>Subject: [Vision2020] Guns in Greenleaf
>Date: Sun, 24 Sep 2006 23:24:27 -0700
>
>http://www.fox12news.com/Global/story.asp?S=5437033
>
>Proposed Ordinance asks Each Household to Have a Firearm
>
>Greenleaf, Idaho -- All Americans have the right to bear arms.  Some
>towns have even gone as far as to require each household to have a
>gun.   Now a small Idaho town is contemplating a similar idea-- it's
>called the Civil Emergencies Ordinance. And although gun ownership is
>just one piece of this ordinance, it's the part that's getting the
>most attention.
>
>"We've blessed to be a fairly rural area of the state, so we don't
>have a lot of crime and I think we'd like to keep it that way," said
>Lee Belt, Greenleaf city clerk.
>
>Drive about 10 minutes west of Caldwell and you'll run into Greenleaf,
>Idaho, population 860.  If city council member Steve Jett has his way,
>each head of household that can legally own a gun, will.  Along with
>that they're encouraged to have ammunition and appropriate training.
>
>"I think the city council is hoping it will happen and that it will be
>a deterrent to crime as the city and region increases in population,"
>said Belt.
>
>The proposed ordinance is modeled after a similar plan that went into
>place in 1982 in Kennesaw, Ga.  In that instance there was a dramatic
>decrease in criminal activity.  Although crime isn't a huge problem
>for residents of Greenleaf, the growth in neighboring counties leads
>them to believe they too are in for some changes.
>
>"There's not a lot of crime here, but I think it's coming, it's
>getting worse everyday," said Art Bailey, owner of the Greenleaf
>Store.
>
>While the plan does encourages firearm ownership, the ordinance goes
>beyond that.
>
>"The largest part itself deals with emergency capabilities," said Belt.
>
>The plan will establish an emergency response plan, and promote its
>citizen response teams and neighborhood watch volunteer groups, a
>proactive approach to keep the crime rate to a minimum.  So how have
>residents responded?  According to almost everyone we spoke to, they
>already owned a gun or multiple guns, so this would have no effect on
>them either way.
>
>"I don't know if it is good for every household, but we being hunters
>have always had guns," said Bonnie Cagle, a Greenleaf resident.
>
>"I think it is an excellent idea," said Bailey. "If the citizens are
>armed were not at a disadvantage."
>
>We did ask to speak with the city council member who proposed the
>ordinance but he was out of town.  In November, the council will
>decide whether or not to adopt the ordinance.
>
>--
>"Intolerance betrays want of faith in one's cause." -- Mahatma Gandhi
>
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