here's an interesting article in our local paper on gun laws in alaska Edit: oops hey naekid I posted this in politics/theory not current events/news, can you move it? Moved..BB
thanks BB, So any thoughts on this? I think it makes sense in a way, but without more information regarding the Supreme Court ruling the article seems tilted to favor the states view of this measure. so what say you, states or supreme court?
I know of an instance in which a "felon" got his weapons back eventually. He was/is no danger to anyone. Being a felon covers a lot of ground. Might even be for writing bad checks. I don't see a problem with the rights being restored to non-violent felons after they've paid their due.
I think the way our society classifies a "felon" needs to change, it seems like we're quick to lock everyone up at the expense of the taxpayer, especially non-violent offenders (i.e. marijuana possession) and yet at the same time putting people away doesn't stop them from committing future crimes. the other downside to being a felon in alaska is that the state garnishes your permanent fund dividend, and if you're making minimum wage the PFD is pretty much a lifeline during the cold winter months when gas prices skyrocket (yet another thing I don't understand, summer months raise gas prices AND winter months raise gas prices)
A fellon could be someone who had too much to drink and decided to drive ... A fellon could be someone who was in a state-of-hurt and decided to purchase something "illegal" from a non-registered pharmaceutical distributer to help control the pain. A fellon could be someone who did something stupid and got caught ... None of these people used a gun (or other weapon) in the crime - why should a gun be denied them?
Alaska made the important distinction between violent and nonviolent felons. I don't have a problem with it. Having a gun is necessary when going outside the major cities. Wildlife doesn't go easy on people because they can't carry a gun. Violent felons can stay in the city or move to another state.
