Bill Expanding Gun Rights Goes To Minn. House

May 4, 2011 10:50 AM

(credit: CBS)

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ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A proposal expanding the right to use deadly force in self-defense is headed for a vote in the Republican-controlled House.

The gun bill from GOP Rep. Tony Cornish won approval from a judiciary panel Wednesday after passing a public safety committee last week.

The legislation would grant the right to defend oneself using deadly force in an expanded definition of home, including a garage, car, deck, tent, boat, overnight accommodation or other dwelling. The person wouldn’t have to retreat from a threatening situation first.

Current law allows the use of deadly force in self-defense when there is reasonable fear of great bodily harm or death or to prevent a felony in one’s home.

Supporters want to give people more latitude to defend themselves. Opponents include law enforcement groups who say the change would endanger officers.

Bill Expanding Gun Rights Goes To Minn. House

Gil-more

So to all the gun-control advocates, and the people who think guns kill people, I would ask this: before guns were invented, did anyone ever murder anyone else? Or was murder invented when guns were invented?

Real, valid statistics show that places that have concealed carry laws have lower violent crime rates. Read the FBI statistics for violent crime, and compare where the crime rates are lower to where concealed carry laws have been passed. There is a clear, causal correlation.

Let me put it this way: if you were a criminal, would you rob the guy who might have a gun, or the one that definitely did not? Would the possibility that you might get shot and killed trying to rob/harm/kill someone factor in to your decision?

Monte

Nope.
Matt

Right on… If you outlaw guns only outlaws have guns…

Yelper

Well looks like Republicans are focused on JOBS JOBS JOBS!!

What a JOKE!

Bertha

According to statistics, unemployment has gone done since the republicans took control, besides the story here is about gun rights. You’re the joke!

Monte

Are you serious????
Wesly

If your unemployment runs out you are no longer collecting unemployment. By the statistics one less is collecting unemployment. As unemployment is limited to 99 weeks and the recession is longer, the number collecting unemployment will drop.

Jon Francis

So your telling me that you need 2 years of unemployement? Ha, or is it these people wont find a lower paying job. Wake up, and take what you can get idiots.

Wesly

Did not say that I needed 99 weeks of unemployment. Do you do nothing more than menial work or have a minimal education? Employers are not going to hire well educated for low wage jobs. Employers tend to have a bias towards younger workers. There are people I know in these situations. They are not the idiots. It is the people commenting on what they know nothing about.

Sarg

Obama promissed so many thing to get elected and you fools fell for it!!!!!!!

1)Create a foreclosure prevention fund for homeowners
Create a $10 billion fund to help homeowners refinance or sell their homes. “The Fund will not help speculators, people who bought vacation homes or people who falsely represented their incomes!

2)Close the Guantanamo Bay Detention Center
“As president, Barack Obama will close the detention facility at Guantanamo.”

3)Centralize ethics and lobbying information for voters
“Will create a centralized Internet database of lobbying reports, ethics records, and campaign finance filings in a searchable, sortable and downloadable format.”
4)Tougher rules against revolving door for lobbyists and former officials
“No political appointees in an Obama-Biden administration will be permitted to work on regulations or contracts directly and substantially related to their prior employer for two years. And no political appointee will be able to lobby the executive branch after leaving government service during the remainder of the administration.”
5)Create cap and trade system with interim goals to reduce global warming
“Will set a hard cap on all carbon emissions at a level that scientists say is necessary to curb global warming – an 80% reduction by 2050. To ensure this isn’t just talk, I will also commit to interim targets toward this goal in 2020, 2030, and 2040. These reductions will start immediately, and we’ll continue to follow the recommendations of top scientists to ensure that our targets are strong enough to meet the challenge we face.”

Sven

Well he made this statement to the Wall Street Journal in 2008: “Somehow we have to figure out how to boost the price of gasoline to the levels in Europe.”

Guess he kept his promise there
Citizen

@Sarg. The president does not create legislation, the House of Representatives does. Talk to your congressman about why these things aren’t being done.

Mike C

You are correct. The (until recently) heavily democrat controlled congress does. Now that this has shown some improvement, maybe we can have some “hope”, for a change.

Todd

He tried passing all of these and the Republican controlled house fought them all, along with the will paid lobbyist. ONe thing is for sure, the rich are getting richer and the middle class is disapearing. The richest 400 people in the US have more wealth than the bottom 150,000,000 combined. Next on the agenda of the Tea Party: Do away with the minimum wage. With so many people out of work the corporatations will be able to pay whatever they want. It will be “Grapes of Wrath” all over again. I don’t understand (and never will) why anyone needs to make billions of dollars a year on the backs of the workers who make the money for them.
Grover

@Sarg. Tough to buck the system of the lobbyists when they are a source of revenue for congressional campaigns. Norm Coleman went right from office to lobbyist. Guess it was time to pay him for his work.
No longer regular reader for below reason

What does this have to do with the topic? Nothing.

No matter what the item is about the anti Obama and religious people will comment.

Please start monitoring and deleting responses have nothing to do with the article and are completely off topic.

Carlie

Yelper, You are the joke. All the articles you comment on have the same opinion: Jobs, Jobs, Jobs.
You should spend more time looking for a job rather than on your computer collecting unemployment.

Yelper

Gun people are wacky!

Cache

I guess your handle explains all…”yelper”…you are a clueless lap dog!
tom

when the sheet hits the fan in this country do not come running to my house for protection.

Greg

“When Seconds are Important, the Police are only Minutes Away!’ , and that’s not a poke at the Officers, but just a physical fact! They just can’t get there in time, all the time. We have to help ourselves too! How it would endanger officers is escaping me here. Someone please explain how it endangers them when most often they show up ‘AFTER THE FACT’ or incident? Get proper training folks, and get your CC Permit first! You will learn the right way!
Al

“Happiness is a warm gun, bang bang, shoot shoot.” John Lennon.
Dave

I can’t help but think of Gabby Giffords and that nine year old girl who were downed by a 30 clip pistol…and the mad rush of barrel strokers to purchase that same clip within hours of the incident.

Bill

The pistol used by the psycho to shoot Ms. Giffords wouldn’t be much good with a “clip” as it is a magazine fed weapon.

Just sayin’

This past winter, I was recovering from surgery. I was sleeping in my lounger in the living room. At 2:30 in the morning, someone rang my door bell. I saw 3 guys in hooded sweatshirts standing on my doorstep. The anger and fear all starts to boil. I grabbed my pump shotgun, and made the sound of loading a shell right at the door. I am telling you that those bast—s took off running and into a car parked up the block. Don’t anyone tell me that I don’t have the right to defend myself at a time like that. The whole process lasted one minute, but I can tell you that you do not forget moments like that. I just do not see how opening a knife blade, or swinging a baseball bat would have made that kind of impact.

Al

Obviously a made up story.

UpNorth

Nice Al,

Stay in your 612 world and hang a sign on your front door. ” I’m a liberal anti gun lover” and see how quick the thugs move in.
Just sayin’

Respectfully Al, this really happened. First time, and hopefully the last. I would do the same thing again.
Cathy

youre obviously a moron
Gary

Al you are an idiot….I think some village in the Somalia is missing there idiot….Move there, I bet you own a gun really fast.

Mike C

What’s a thirty clip pistol? You have as much difficulty with the terminology as you do with the facts about responsible gun ownership and the right to bear arms. Stop with the ad hominem attacks and denial. Gil=more is correct
MJ

Sorry – but these bills and constitutional amendments need to be second behind a budget effort and some attempts at job creation. This will guarantee a special session and a lot of hurt for many Minnesotans.

Cindy

These bills are needed even more in a tough economy with a lack of jobs. The coming total economic collapse will no doubly send the inner-city dwellers out to “get them some”. Decent people should be armed and the law on their side!

Bill

So wat’s your point?
Anita Newhouse

Facts don’t lie. People with guns kill more innocent victims-family members, neighbors, themselves-than the police or others with guns stop criminals. This change to gun laws will ratchet up the fear/anxiety of everyone except those so socially disconnected that they feel threatened enough every time they are in public that they need to arm themselves. Criminals are NOT around every corner but children, neighbors, even strangers meaning you no harm are. Thiis obviously too much for some people. Cobras and other animals that strike with little provocation are caged in public for a reason. My family has experienced gun violence and from my first -hand perspective, another gun involved would have meant the loss of a family member.

Anita Moreguns

I’m glad you have so much faith in society but question where you get your “facts”.

I have a compromise, you go un-armed so that everyone you encounter is “safer”. Trust you and your family’s safety to a cop who when seconds count will be just a minute away.

I and the 80,000 other Minnesotan’s who are permitted to carry a weapon will continue to protect ourselves and we will see who is left when society completely breaks down soon.

Good luck

Mike C

Newhouse sees daffodils and lollipops around every corner.

Chris

I fully support it and I voted for Obama. I believe in common sense. This is one of the few issues I agree with the Repubs on. Why should I retreat in my home?? Even as things stand, if you break in my place expect a slug to enter your face. I will protect my family at all costs.
Greg

Al, “How do you know? Were you there? NO! ” . Wait for it to happen to you. Hopefully it won’t . Check your own reactions/fears/ uncertainties at that door IF OR WHEN IT HAPPENS. And see if they’ll walk away upon request just because you want them to. Make them uncertain, just like ‘Just Sayin” did and you are better off, maybe never having to follow through. Or are you the one on the outside of the door. I hope not. Or are you a made up story too, just to put people off and get a reaction? Stay Safe yourself!

Al

It is so fun (and easy) to make a conservative mad. My my, such angry people.
Mike C

Al represents himself and people of his “ilk” very well, indeed. He only wishes to spout off for the purpose of causing trouble. Don’t play into his blatant display of ignorance.

Al

See what I mean? Haha

Mike C

Al, I’m glad that you agree with me, you must have looked into the mirror. Don’t confuse me with someone who is angry, though. I’m not. I’m only saddened that you would waste any elses’ time witn your nonsensical drivel. I, for one, will no lonf=ger respond to your idiocy.

Al

Can you spell, or write a sentence correctly?

Burb Lover Chris

The kid from Prior Lake was just put away for 29 years for breaking in and stabbing/beating AND starting a fire in a sleeping man’s Burnsville home.
You bleeding heart libs who think it will only “happen to someone else” are mistaken. Be a victim if you want.

I Conceal & carry everyday! Take the class, learn the laws. Learn to defend yourself. I will defend myself & my loved ones.
Blomp

Right on with this legislation !!!
Emily

So more rights for gun owners, and less rights for people to marry who they love. Like Jesus would own a gun or vote republician – I just don’t get why they use religion when it is easy – but the christian way of helping and loving one another is left out of the plan.

Cindy

Oh spare me your whiny liberal rants. This topic is about the gun bill and its protections apply to everyone, even gays and liberals.
tom

they didn’t have guns back in Jesus’s time, if they did I am very sure he would have carried one for protection.

Adamus

I think this legislation makes perfect sense. Homeowners who defend themselves from home invasion should absolutely be protected by law. Responsible gun ownership starts with education. Take a carry class, learn to handle your weapon responsibly and safely, and know the law. Keeping yourself and your family safe is YOUR responsibility. Unless you have police right outside your door, they likely won’t get there in time if someone is intent on harming you our yours.
Jasongoldfinch

Sounds like people need the bin laden treatment. You know, 2 shots followed by a water chaser!!!
Mike C

Once again, the libs attempt to re-direct. Gun rights have nothing to do with Gay rights (Marry who you want). By the way, Jesus Jesus told Peter to sell his cloak and buy a sword, at one point. He only chastised Peter for attacking the gaurd who Jesus knew MUST arrest him.

GOPSUX

“For they will beat their swords into plowshares”

GOPSUX

From Isaiah 2:4
Mike C

Completely different context. Quote mining won’t work. This refers to a time when swords aren’t necessary in the future Messianic Kingdom. Luke 22:36, (purchase a sword) refers to the right and the need to protect yourself, as well as your friends and family, during perilous times.

Swamp Fox

To all brigands who want to violate my domiciliary, familial, and peace-of-mind rights: My family and house is under the protection, “figuratively speaking”, of Messrs Browning, Colt, Marlin, Springfield, Ruger, Smith & Wesson, and Winchester!!! As the old American bromide states, “Don’t Tread on Me!”, so too is my philosophy of self-protection &/or self-preservation. It’s the American and Constitutional Way!

Need I say more?……………….

Al

No, you have said enough. It is always better to remain silent and give the impression of ignorance, than to open your mouth and proove it.

Swamp Fox

Too bad you don’t agree but that’s okay it’s your Constitutional right to do so. So too are Constitutional my rights to protect my family and property as well as pursue my freedoms to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”!!!

What’s so ignorant about that???
fed up

This coming from the guy who stated he aims to upset the Republicans? Man, what a sad pathetic person you are. Hopefully, AL, you are young enough that you could still grow up at some point.

Murph

Hmmm,would that iclude the people defrauding us after recieving our votes.Or just less sneaky,burglars and such? Be careful what you wish for might be a quiding example for the GOP if that is the case! There are more guns than people in this country.What this is ,is a another grandstanding GOP event to draw attention away from what they are really up to! Like people with guns couldn’t get acquitted by a jury if it ever came down to that? What about some more neccessary and immediate problems.You know the ones you should be doing.Not trying all your slight of pen tricks to give to the very richest people!

Swamp Fox

What are your comments germane to?????

Steve

I plead with you anti lethal defense people. Show your support for being gun free, put signs in your yard and bumper stickers on your car. Show the world that you do not believe in guns because otherwise you are being carried in the safety net of those of us that do carry legally, and you owe us all. Do your part! ha ha….bet you won’t, bet you won’t, bet you won’t, bet you won’t! you are too chicken to advertise and too chicken to learn how to handle a weapon properly.
Just sayin’

Liberal viewpoints as I see them……
Work hard and be successful to make a good living…..bad
Start a business, hire people, but make money doing that….bad
Realize that non-working complainers are owed everything…good
Try to protect what you have, such as family, and home…..bad
Live a conservative life, work hard, pay taxes, contribute to society…bad
Agree with all the above….Very Good
Drive a pick-up truck or SUV…bad
Own a gun…Very bad
What the hell has happened to the United States??

Mike C

Dude, you rock on!!! I have to go to work now.
Todd

Conservative viewpoints:

Don’t tax the rich, taxes are for the little people.

Its OK to export jobs to China so a 12 year old girl can take your job and livelyhood, as a matter of fact, give a tax break for it.

Oil companies should be paid by the taxpayers to find oil, then sell it to them for $130 a barrel. And don’t pay any taxes while doing it.

Let the companies do anything they want to the the employees without any repercusion. If they want to cut your wages in half you should be happy you have a job.

Just sayin, wait till they take your job. Or are you already collecting the Social Security that I paid in for 34 years and I will never see?

Al

Nicely said, and completely accurate.
Just sayin’

Hey Todd, I have worked like a dog since 16 years old. I did my time in the Army, and when I got back, started working the next week. I am going on 63. Paid into social security my whole life, and yes, I will take it when I turn 65. What you need to do is convince those Democrat politicians that they have to save social security for you and everyone else. Right now, they do not seem to even talk about it. If there is one, let me know who he or she is. I would like to support their ideas. As I remember it, the Congress has been in control by Democrats for many years…..none of your listed complaints have been solved. I suspect you are not only a Democrat, but a union man, who seems to have alot of issues with your employer. You are needing to stop yelling at Republicans, and start getting on your Democratic leaders to fix your problems….You did vote for them didn’t you???

Guy

Are you a Democrat, A Republican , or A Redneck ??????

Here is a little test that will help you decide…

You’re walking down a deserted street with your wife and two small children. Suddenly, an Islamic terrorist with a huge knife comes around the corner, locks eyes with you, screams obscenities, praises Allah, raises the knife, and charges at you.

You are carrying a Glock cal 40, and you are an expert shot. You have mere seconds before he reaches you and your family.

What do you do?

Democrat’s Answer

Well, that’s not enough information to answer the question!

Does the man look poor! Or oppressed?

Have I ever done anything to him that would inspire him to attack?

Could we run away?

What does my wife think? What about the kids?

Could I possibly swing the gun like a club and knock the knife out of his hand?

What does the law say about this situation?

Does the Glock have appropriate safety built into it?

Why am I carrying a loaded gun anyway, and what kind of message does this send to society and to my children?

Is it possible he’d be happy with just killing me?

Does he definitely want to kill me, or would he be content just to wound me?

If I were to grab his knees and hold on , could my family get away while he was stabbing me?

Should I call 9-1-1 ?

Why is this street so deserted?

We need to raise taxes, have a paint and weed day and make this a happier, healthier street that would discourage such behavior.

This is all so confusing!

I need to discuss with some friends over a latte and try to come to a consensus.

Republican’s Answer:

BANG!!!

Redneck’s Answer:

BANG! BANG! BANG ! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! Click….

(sounds of reloading)

BANG! BANG! BANG ! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! click

Daughter: ‘Nice grouping, Daddy! Were those the Winchester Silver Tips or Hollow Points?’

Son: ‘You got him, Dad! Can I shoot the next one?????Huh…..CAN I????’

Wife: ‘You are NOT taking that to the taxidermist.’

Al

Nicely said by a typically sad conservative.

Guy

Thank you. BTW – Have you posted your “gun free zone” signs in your
windows yet? Have your next of kin let me know how that works out for you…

Fatally foolish law

We had some 12 year old kids who broke into my garage a few years back. When I confronted them they alll ran off. I never once assumed that I was in danger and I assume that they were not thinking they would harm me. They were just dumb kids stealing from a garage. It would be a tragity if somebody foolish enough would start shooting kids stealing from their garage killing them because they know they have that lawful right. This law goes too far. If somebody busted into my house in the middle of the night I would do anything to stop them assuming they would or could do my family harm. On the other hand if somebody was breaking into my garage, or car, snooping around my yard, standing on my deck, I would not shoot them dead. I am afraid this law would give those who thiunk otherwise the right to shoot first no questions asked and then claim they had the lawful right to do so even if they were fatally stupid. This law is wrong – it goes too far.

Bob

Are you one of the people who foolishly said we would be shooting people in the street with the passage of the permit to carry in MN ?
Cindy

From the sound of it anyone breaking into your property would be safe to do whatever they wanted while you stood around thinking about things.

Look, if you don’t want to defend yourself than don’t, the cops will be along shortly to install tape and take notes. Most are not like you and will not put up with people breaking into our houses or assaulting us in public.

Not Yelper

Well said…..
Fatally foolish law

So you would kill somebody for trying to steal your CD player in your car parked in your garage? Standing around thinking about it… come on. Most people will NOT shot to kill somebody who is on their property. Yet some will and that is a very frightening thought. I cannot understand why somebody needs to shoot anybody who is on their property, who is stealing a lawn mower from a garage, snooping around their backyard…. if somebody does shoot to kill somebody snooping around their garage there should be an investigation to see if shooting to kill was required of the home owner which is what we do today and for good reason. It would be tragic to hear that some fool shot a kid stealing an iPod from the front seat of their car. It would be cold to see the TV interview: “Um, well the kid was in my car without permission so shot him dead. There is no law against that. He should not have tried to steal my iPod.”