Negative Story on Carry Permit Mistake From ABC 24

[Pat McGarrity]

2-3-05

TFA Member Chuck Bates brought this story to my attention. ABC 24 did a story on an individual that received a Handgun Carry Permit without applying for it, when he only intended to renew his Driver's License.

http://www.abc24.com/news/local/story.a ... 00D175BBED

As Murphy's Law would have it, Glenn Jones, the individual in the story, is a Gun Phobic. Jones says:

"Not only the terrorists, but local school children. The gang situation in Memphis. All of this came to mind. Which caused me to be more horrified than ever."

Personally, it sounds to me like Mr. Jones lives in a perpetual sheep-like state of fear, which is his right.

Predictably, as with most gun issues in the media, ABC 24 got their facts wrong on purchasing a gun in Tennessee:

"So how easy is it to get a gun in Tennessee? Here's what Eyewitness News has uncovered: According the state's website you must be 21, a non-felon, have completed a handgun safety course pay a $115 fee, and be fingerprinted."

Obviously, they are confusing purchase with the Carry permit requirements. This, along with the graphics of Tec-9s and M-4 Carbines (A Class III, federally regulated weapon, not related to what a Handgun Permit grants carry status for) illustrates the usual ignorance and prejudice we've come to expect from the media.

My question is; On the background check to purchase a firearm in Tennessee, is it a TBI or FBI check, or Both? The impression of the story is that the Carry Permit is like a Sams Club Card for gun stores, just pull up to the drive through and order your bag of guns like you would a burger & fries. I'd like to call ABC 24 and politely point out their errors, but want to know exactly who the investigating body is on the check. Thanks for your help.

In Liberty,

Pat McGarrity

In Your Service-Shelby County TFA Director

*2-4-05 After Action Report:

We made some progress. I spoke with Caroline Cody with ABC 24 yesterday and they did correct their incorrect info, on their web site, where they had the purchase and permit requirements confused. They also took my name and number for a positive story on the Carry Permit System, and I invited them to our Shelby County TFA meetings. I wont hold my breath waiting to hear back form them, but we did hold the media accountable. Thanks to everyone who got involved, and to Chuck Bates for catching this.

I suspect Mr. Jones is still trembling today, continuing to bleat about the permit, as he waits for the first gang bangers to show up and kick his door in, now that he's announced his "easy prey" status...

Again, I'll try to keep from inundating the list with e-mail. The next announcement will be on our guest speaker for February's meeting on the 17th. I'm lining up some OUTSTANDING guests, and expect to confirm with them today.

In Liberty,

Pat McGarrity

In Your Service - Shelby County TFA Director

"Only by watching the enemy and learning his intentions, can you learn what steps you must take to control the events that will dictate the outcome of the struggle."

General Tai Li'ang - The Li'ang Hsi-Huey