My Letter to the Editor regarding the Veto.

[C. Richard Archie]

We will see if it gets published, I sent it in via e-mail, and hand delivered a copy to the Office of the Jackson Sun.


"In reference to the article carried on Friday, May 29, 2009 regarding the veto of HB 0962, the Restaurant Carry Bill, by Governor Bredesen, the stated supporters of his action are Law Enforcement. From what can be told of the assembled group, (as there was no listing of the attendees per the article), the preponderance of the Wall of Blue seen behind the Governor are Chiefs of Police, mostly politically appointed positions with no actual direct responsibility to voters.

Is the overwhelming support of this issue in both Houses of the Tennessee Legislature to be cast aside by the newly acquired personal convictions of one man? Apparently in a quest to affect his standing as “Liberal” for whatever design he has for political furtherance of a carrier, he has chosen a new direction. I think the question should be asked as to what brought about his change of heart, relative to his announced statement of backing of this very measure prior to his last election.

More important is the issue of the backing enlisted by the Governor for his usurping the Will of the People. Has Tennessee now entered a Police State, where the thoughts of politically appointed titular heads of Law Enforcement stand in more importance than the counted votes of elected representatives of the People? While I have the utmost respect for Law Enforcement, they are supposed servants of the People, not our Masters. They are charged solely with the investigation of crimes in the State of Tennessee. To appear "Officially" in support of a political issue is a violation of TCA 38-8-351. The presence of these officials in their uniforms, giving the appearance of official sanction, i.e. “On Duty” is a direct violation of the Law.

Those of us who frequent restaurants that serve alcohol often witness officers sitting down to have a meal while in possession of their weapons, in direct contradiction to Tennessee Law. Per TCA 39-17-1305, unless in the performance of official duty, no one, Police Officer or individual citizen with a HCP is allowed to carry a weapon in such an establishment. Personally, I am supportive of ignoring adherence to the statute for our Law Enforcement Officers, as requiring them to disarm for the trip to and from the restaurant would make them vulnerable to harm, just as the “regular” citizen is, and would further embolden an already informed criminal element with regards to “gun free zones”. However, just because it is common sense, it does not make it legal.

The question is who should hold more sway over our Governor, the People, or the Police? The Senate voted 24-7, the House 66-23, (with 10 declining for whatever reason to vote), in favour of the legislation. I am sure that on such a “Hot Button” issue, the Legislators’ votes were a reflection of the voices of their constituents, as these individuals ARE responsible to reflect the wishes of their employers, the People."

[benburke]

Great letter, but I doubt it will get published, if for no other reason, it's too long. The local newspaper in Chattanooga limits letters to 200 words or less.

[C. Richard Archie]

I'll see about paring it down to the essence.

Though I doubt "Bredesen is a self aggrandizing jerk, and the LEO's in attendance are breaking the law." will get published either.

[C. Richard Archie]

[backwoodsman]

good job , at the least , others will be informed that abuse of power is going on in their state!