Tennessee Firearms Assoc. Inc.

Bristol City Council has placed on their agenda for July 7 a resolution (09-69) banning the carry of handguns in local parks. Councilpersons Margaret Feirabend and David Shumaker have already publically . I've spoken with three of the five council members: Staton seems inclined to oppose the measure, Messimer simply listened and noted my objection, and Feirabend stated "you've made some points I'll check out and that bear consideration" without any further discussion or inquiry.

Email contact info can be found .

Media reports indicate that the Kingsport Board of Mayor and Alderman will be taking up a similar resolution at their next meeting.

I've now spoken with 4 of the 5 council members. Mr. Staton was very engaged and inquisitive, indicates that he has issues with the proposed ban, and will likely vote against it. Mr. Shoemaker stated that he believes the 2nd amendment is just as outdated as slavery and women's suffrage, and that no one in todays society needs to carry a handgun. Mrs. Feirabend listened to me, said I raised some points she would have to check out and think about, but asked no questions. Dr. Messimer had difficulty following the conversation, and just said that my objection to the ban was noted. I cannot find verbal contact for Testa, so I emailed him yesterday evening...no response as yet.

As expected, Council voted 3-2 to ban handgun carry in local parks. Feirabend, Testa and Shoemaker voted yes to the resolution banning carry, Staton and Messimer no - although Messimer later admitted he intended to vote yes, but Shoemaker's outlandish remarks critical of anyone who would want to carry a gun infuriated him (but, he already knew that there were 3 yes votes, so...) Staton actually got it - he said during debate that this vote was not really about whether or not carry in local parks was right or not, but that it was really about Council taking away rights from citizens without cause. No on else present wanted to hear that. Testa and Feirabend remined silent through debate. Testa told me before the meeting that he intended to vote yes...he had received my email, but was not moved to change his mind. Feirabend had earlier stated in the paper her intent to vote yes, as had Shoemaker.

Shoemaker went a bit ballistic in his opposition to my remarks (I was the only person present to address the resolution)...said that the only reason anyone would ever carry a gun was because they were either afraid of all their fellow Bristolians, or because they needed their machismo fix. He's also the clown that told me earlier today that the 2nd Amendment was just as outdated as slavery and women's voting rights...