MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In Friday’s Ransom Note: after the twin tragedies in Atlanta and Boulder, I'm having trouble understanding the eagerness of the Tennessee legislature and governor who are ready to let nearly anyone who wants to carry a gun out in the public without a permit.
The Memphis City Council apparently feels the same way, unanimously passing a resolution today saying it is adamantly against the open carry bill even though it seems destined to pass the house Monday and get the governor's signature soon after.
In a city that's on track to break last year's all-time record for homicides, you can understand why Memphis Police Director Mike Rallings and Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner have said they're against it. Responsible gun store owners are against it too. They know the value of firearm training required for getting a permit.
The resolution is only worth the paper it's printed on. It's only symbolic and has no teeth. But wouldn't it be nice if just once lawmakers and the governor would listen to someone other than the lobbyists that pad their pockets.
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