What the GOP Takeover of the NC General Assembly Could Mean for Gun Rights

The Republicans will now control both houses of the North Carolina General Assembly for the first time since 1898. That's correct - 112 years. 1898 was the year that the fusion of Populists and Republicans lost control of the General Assembly which they had held for the preceding four years. The tactic that the Democrats used to overcome the Republicans was an appeal to white supremacy.

The "white supremacy campaign" was exactly that. The Democrats repeatedly stated that only white men were fit to hold political office. They often accused the fusionists, especially the Republicans, of supporting "negro domination" in the state. Indeed, there were a large number of African American officeholders, some of whom had been elected and many more who were appointed to office. The Democrats referred to themselves as the "white man's party" and appealed to white North Carolinians to restore them to power.

As a result of this shameful legacy, the Democrats have maintained control of at least one house of the General Assembly ever since. That is, until last night.

Sean at An NC Gun Blog has developed a list of laws that need to go. While most of these laws are firearm or weapon specific, some are not. He brings an outsider's keen eye to some of the more egregious laws on the books. For example, in North Carolina to purchase a cross-bow you need a a purchase permit from the local sheriff. This is the same permit that NC requires for the purchase of a handgun. Sean's list should be required reading in the Republican caucus of both houses of the General Assembly.

At the top of my list would be a modification of the gun ban during states of emergency, the castle doctrine, and guns in state parks. I would also add that the Wildlife Resources Commission needs to change its regulation which prevents the carrying of anything other than a .22 pistol as a sidearm on state-recognized gamelands outside of hunting season even if one has a Concealed Handgun Permit. Since all the National Forests in North Carolina are also gamelands, I am forbidden to carry a centerfire handgun, permit or no permit, outside of hunting season. Congress recognized that crime happens in National Parks. The General Assembly and the WRC needs to recognize that it can happen in National Forests as well.