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Should travelers boycott Arizona because of gun laws? Frommer leans towards yes
Arthur Frommer, longtime travel book guru, posed a question about Arizona's "open carry" gun laws. In Arizona, Frommer found out, people can bring loaded guns to political rallies. That's what happened in Phoenix earlier this week when some of the protesters, who showed up outside the convention center where Barack Obama was speaking, visibly wielded guns--including an assault rifle. Such action is legal in Arizona, something Frommer feels alarmed by.
In Arthur Frommer ONLINE yesterday, he wonders if travelers ought to boycott Arizona in protest of such open carry laws since he thinks a gun law that allows people to bring loaded firearms to political protests violates citizens' safety. He doesn't want to travel to such places. As he wrote, if a gun had gone off, mayhem could have happened.
It's not that Frommer objects to guns--or at least he doesn't say if he does or doesn't. He thinks there's a problem when a person carrying a gun in public does so in a way that puts people in danger.
Last year, I expressed my concern about guns being allowed into US national parks for similar reasons. Of course, others have a different opinion and some expressed those in the comment section. Some comments pointed out issues I that hadn't thought of. Some state roads and US highways, for example, pass through national parks. If a person is carrying a gun in his or her car and happens to be traveling on such a road, he or she would be in violation of a gun carrying law if guns were not allowed in a national park.
Still, there's Frommer's point that if people are allowed to have their guns with them as a means of intimidation, and other people are traveling through such spots, doesn't that put people not involved in jeopardy? I seem to remember from US history classes that even when the west was wilder there were some places where people who were carrying guns had to leave them outside a town or saloon. Or, maybe that's just the Hollywood version.
Filed under: News, Consumer Activism
Reader Comments (Page 5 of 12)
Clark Aug 20th 2009 9:40PM
As a long-time, but no longer, AZ resident, I can attest that most people do not conduct their daily business with a gun strapped on. I am also a NRA Firearms Instructor (5 different areas), a NRA Range Safety Officer, and a Navy Special Warfare RSO and Firearms Instructor (30 yrs), so I am familiar with and comfortable around firearms. However, in these politically charged times, I would not advise anyone to be "packing" at a political rally. It sends the wrong message. I am less concerned about a gunfight breaking out than I am about the visual impact (film at 11:00), and reaction to, people carrying guns around political figures. There are enough left-wing zealots trying to strip the rest of us of our 2nd Ammendment rights without alienating non-gun owning but gun sympathetic people and pushing them over to the anti-gun side. Often, trying to "send a message" results in the wrong message being received.
DAVID mALONE Aug 20th 2009 9:44PM
Boycott, an entire state, because of the gun laws !!!!!!!
When are we really going to get serious, and start standing-up for ourselves.
Remember, "The right to bear arms".........
somehow it's getting twisted around "the Right to arm bears"
Jerry Aug 20th 2009 9:33PM
Actually, Frommer encourages me to visit AZ. Frankly, an armed society is a polite one. If I'm in a room with 50 armed people, and one gets out of hand, you have 49 other people who will talk sense into him before the situation escalates.
The majority of firearm enthusiasts are not violent people, unless threatened with bodily harm.
dean Aug 20th 2009 9:34PM
your a idiot and a racist.
jim Aug 20th 2009 9:33PM
Frommer is a Dirtball, Look at the crime rate Jerk. Now look at Chicago's crime rate where they have strict gun laws. Duh!
Evan Aug 20th 2009 9:41PM
I would feel completely safe in Arizona, it's places like New York City that worry me. The legally armed citizens in Arizona would not have cowered in their rooms while a piece of crap slowly beat Kitty Genovese to death over a half hour span as she begged dozens to help her. I'm old and sight impaired but I could have gotten close enough that my S&W 357 would have done things to his head that assured a closed casket funeral.
Patrick Aug 20th 2009 9:39PM
Frommer will also need to leave out Alaska, New Mexico, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming,South Dakota, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, and Vermont since these are all open carry states. Twelve more are open carry with a license. Only 7 states, including my home state of Texas do not allow open carry though you can carry concealed with a license.
Greg Aug 20th 2009 9:40PM
Meant to say that the Oswald, Sirhan, etc. were NOT openly carrying. And that the AR-15 carrying gentleman WOULD be far more intimidated by the armed secret service than they would be of him. Sorry. Fast fingers and no proofing.
Joe Aug 20th 2009 9:44PM
I wonder why the press won't report the fact that crime rates are far lower in states that allow law abiding citizens the means to protect themselves.
Karen Aug 20th 2009 9:43PM
The guns that you don't see are the ones that are dangerous.
Jeff Aug 21st 2009 9:55AM
Though I am not a gun owner I believe our founding fathers made it clear about our right to gun ownership.Ooops I forgot the powers that be only agree with their version of that
Linda Aug 20th 2009 9:46PM
Be more worried about crooks who carry concealed.
Alice Aug 20th 2009 9:48PM
I'm glad to have read this article. I loved Arizona before....but now I love it even more and would definitely consider moving there!!!!! When you come from a place like New York where all the BAD guys have the guns...it's nice for a change to see the GOOD guys with them (and legally I'm sure).
gary Aug 20th 2009 9:46PM
we have to admit strict gun laws only mean that criminals will have guns
Robert Keegan Aug 20th 2009 9:50PM
When the thugs jump you be sure and call Arthur Frommer to rescue your defenseless body. What a jerk he is.
newtongimmick Aug 20th 2009 9:49PM
There is a fascinating study on Infinite Hollywood about how our lives are used here in America. Check it out at http://infinitehollywood.blogspot.com/ or Google: INFINITE HOLLYWOOD to see if you agree. I find that it's perhaps a bit more accurate than this average lifespan is 78 stuff.
bjtitsengolfjr Aug 20th 2009 9:50PM
The Secret Service stated they had no concern with the people bringing weapons to the President's location. I owned a gun from the time I was 12 years old till I went into the military. Those of us that grew up with guns didn't need to much time on the rifle range. I have no intention of owning a gun but the day Congress outlaws guns, I will buy, beg, borrow or steal a gun because that is the day when I know I will again need a gun again.
Karie Aug 20th 2009 9:51PM
dean Aug 20th 2009 9:34PM
"your a idiot and a racist."
Dear Dean, Just a small bit of advice, son. Whenever you wish to insult someone, make sure you have at least a third grade command of the English language. Your and You're are NEVER interchangeable! The proper way would be, "You're an idiot and a racist." Sheeeeesh!
Laurie Aug 20th 2009 9:51PM
I am a CWP carrier... I will also boycott all his books now... He should be reading the Bill of Rights to see how many of them will be taken away from us.. Read about your countries birth now so you can protect it before it is too late..!!..
D, McCullam Aug 20th 2009 9:54PM
Looks like Frommer's research on this subject reflects a similar pattern of errors found in most of his travelogues.
There are 22 States recently listed that allow citizens to openly carry firearms. Have at it rube.