New controversy has developed following a 2011 law in Iowa that allows the visually impaired or blind to carry guns in public. The dispute ensues between advocates for rights of the disabled, and others who believe that the blind carrying weapons could be a potential danger. Jane Hudson, executive director for Disability Rights Iowa, says that not allowing the blind or visually impaired to obtain weapon permits would go against the Americans with Disabilities act, and would be robbing them of a right. On the other hand, some police officials say that they aren't so sure that issuing permits to the blind would be a good idea in regard to safety. Some states have either direct or indirect methods of requiring proof of visual acuity, such as Nebraska, which requires "proof of vision" either by an eye doctor or by showing a valid driver's license upon acquiring a weapons permit. In Iowa, obtaining a permit to carry a weapon in public requires that they undergo training in handling a firearm; this training, however can be completed online and without any hands-on training in shooting a weapon, which further stimulates the controversy.
One quote in this article from Warren Wethington, a county sheriff of Cedar County, Iowa, really stuck with me, "If sheriffs spent more time trying to keep guns out of criminals' hands and not people with disabilities, their time would be more productive." Though the controversy over this law has brought forth valid concerns from both sides, the debate does seem a bit excessive and over-thought when other dangers in our country dealing with gun control laws and gun possession are considered. State governments should be more concerned with preventing future tragedies dealing with issues of gun control that have proven fatal in the past, such as the multitude of school shootings that have occurred in the U.S., rather than concerning themselves with the issuing gun permits to the blind, which exhibits a much smaller potential for danger.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/09/08/iowa-grants-gun-permits-to-the-blind/2780303/
this is a controversy. At first, most people willl think "why the heck should blind people carry guns?" its kinda ridiculous. they shouldn't be threatened enough to need a gun.. what will they shoot? But, its also the second amendment, so should they be allowed to possess a gun? i still dont think so. its too dangerous and risky, they could harm someone by accident!
ReplyDeleteI agree completely that there is sometimes too much attention given to trivial matters such as this one. However, I can see how this issue might put the government in a difficult spot. It is common sense that a blind or visually disabled person should not be able to carry a gun. But, by prohibiting the blind from carrying firearms, the government risks public protests and criticism for taking away a right. However, practicality and common sense must take over at some point.
ReplyDeleteGriffin Johnston