Constitutional Carry in Oklahoma: Fear and Thunder Fans Win Out

Last year the Oklahoma legislature passed what was called a, "constitutional carry," bill. The law, as it was written then, would allow those poor souls who are too scared to leave their homes unarmed the ability to carry a gun anywhere in the state without any training, restrictions, or permits.

In her last days as governor, republican Mary Fallin vetoed the act moments before the legislature adjourned. Her timing prevented those wild eyed gun lovers in her party from overriding the nixing of the bill, which, thanks to the near non-existence of democrats in both state houses, was assured.

So Fallin was a gutsy, sane, voice of reason--not to mention one politically savvy operator, right? Sorta, kinda. The veto was timed perfectly, however her motives were more convoluted than simple opposition to unleashing herds of armed idiots.

In fact, Ms. Fallin was decidedly under the influence of the Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce.

This famously anti labor group realized the 2018 measure contained wording which might just cause Oklahoma serious problems in what we call, the business sector. The way it was written the law would, as said before, let anyone to carry a gun, either openly, or concealed, anywhere, no matter what the venue. It also prevented event sponsors, or owners of businesses, from banning weapons on their property.

Someone was smart enough to point out to the then governor since the NCAA refuses to book tournament events someplace where guns are allowed. Oklahoma City would cease to be the annual home of the Women's College Softball Championship. In addition any hope of hosting future NCAA basketball regionals in OKC, or Tulsa would be lost.

It also meant places like the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University wouldn't be able to prevent gun toting fans from any of their sporting events, or campuses. Indeed, administrators and security officials were facing the prospect of a bunch of armed football fanatics, caught up in a frenzy of school spirit and binge drinking, opening fire on officials, coaches, players, and opposing fans who pissed them off. Not to mention all those professors who have to hand out failing grades to high strung right wing frat rats.

Ah, but it didn't stop there. The National Basketball Association also bans guns at all it's team arenas. The way the law read, the Oklahoma City Thunder, thanks to league rules, would have to pull up roots and jump on a plane back to Seattle. Such a move would be an economic catastrophe for downtown OKC the likes of which hasn't been seen since the days of urban renewal in the 1960's--a time which rendered the area virtually deserted after five pm on weeknights and every weekend.

No, Fallin's veto wasn't about her personal beliefs, it was pure business.

Now there is the same sort of bill getting ready to be passed by the legislature. Only this one has been edited to allow private property owners and sponsors to ban guns from their businesses and events. The new Governor, Kevin Stitt has already said he'll sign it, Meanwhile college presidents have breathed a sigh of relief. Clay Bennett and the rest of the Thunder ownership have also relaxed and the State Chamber of Commerce has declared itself neutral on the issue.

Yes, the current attitude of the state's movers and shakers has become a resounding, So long as it isn't at our place, you stupid fuckers can go shoot as many people as you want.

To be fair and balanced the new bill does say convicted felons and those who have been adjudicated to be mentally ill are prohibited from owning, or carrying a firearm. Unfortunately we all know how effective that provision has worked out lately. Just ask them in Parkland, FL.

But hey, only a good guy with a gun, right? Yeah, well, tell that to Oklahoma cops who will soon have a split second to decide which persons holding smoking guns are the, "good," shooters and which ones aren't.

This is madness. All these gun quacks want us to believe they are simply defending their constitutional rights. In truth they're nothing but a bunch of cowards, frightened of everything and everyone they see.

There is no other alternative explanation. Unless, of course, we want to get into that whole erectile dysfunction thing.

Although, on second thought, maybe we'll leave that subject for another day.



2-22-19