NationStates Jolt Archive

Speaking of gun regulation... For the past few days, I have been to several places in St.Paul, Minnesota (My dad is the president of the Former Members of Congress. We meet with the German Bundestag every.. other year I think, alternating between Germany and the USA. When we meet, we discuss politics, national security, agrciculture, industry, etc. between the US and Germany. But I digress...).

I went to the Minnesota Science Museum in St. Paul. On the door, guess what was taped up there: "Guns are BANNED on this premises." I found this at several other places.

Okay, c'mon, how is a note telling people who already knew not to bring guns into a building keep us safer? Will criminals care if there is a piece of paper saying their gun is a no-no before they walk into the bank to rob it?

What's your opinion on this?

I think its mostly a legal thing, like McDonalds 'Warning: Hot' on coffee cups.

My dad works at a park here, they have 'No weapons' signs up, so if somebody brings in something that can be called a weapon they have a good excuse to refuse service and such.

Well, yes, but explain this: You work at a local cafe (No, not another friggin' Starbucks). A man walks in with what appears to be a gun in his pocket, but he has no intention to rob the place. You calmly deny him service?

Aything can be a weapon. Literally. Most people don't now that you can make a napalm like substance or mustard gas from substances commonly found in your home.

Well, since when does the average joe walk into an average McDonalds, wallet in one hand, pipe bomb in the other?

My name is Joe. Wait were you in that McDonalds when that happened. BTW I am talknig about materials such as bleach and Windex. They make Mustard gas.

The signs aren't there for criminals. Minnesota recently started issuing concealed-carry liscences, so liscenced individuals are, in fact, allowed to carry guns, unless the owners of the property specifically forbid it.

Damn, I was going to rob those places! But now that I see that sign I'll have to leave my weapon outside... I guess I'll have to stick to my fists!

Yeah, I think it's more of a legal thing than anything else.

If you come around Plymouth, Minnesota, most are allowing guns, except for the fitness clubs and banks. Otherwise, feel free to bring 'em in. The only rule is that you must acknowledge you have a gun, and expel ammunition (clips, tubs, etc.). You are allowed one chambered bullet, but the safety must be on, and you must look directly at the camera, face exposed, for at least a second. Cashiers (like a few of my friends) sometimes keep guns. My friend who works at a local Superameric, keeps a fully loaded .44 Magnum under the counter. His manager keeps a Mossberg shotgun with 7 buckshot shells always loaded in it in his office. That's if they don't have the signs.

It's about liability. If someone is injured by a firearm on their property, they can point to their notice and say, "It's not our fault, our regulations weren't obeyed."

Ah good. Okay, thanks for explaining this in clearer terms to me.

Another case closed by the great detective Jesus Macoy, Attorney at Eye