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Amtrak to become gun-friendly?
Thanks to a Senate vote on Wednesday, Amtrak is a step closer to becoming the nation's gun-friendly travel alternative. The proposal was approved by a vote of 68 to 30 and would allow passengers to take firearms with them on trains – as long as they declare that they are doing so. The firearms also have to be unloaded and locked in a container.
Of course, Amtrak is, so to speak, being held at gunpoint on this bill. If it does not change its gun policy, the railroad would lose its $1.6 billion government subsidy, thanks to some wheeling and dealing by Mississippi's Senator Roger Wicker.
The current policy, which prohibits travel with weapons, was implemented following the terror attacks on Madrid's passenger trains in 2004. Wicker cites the importance of second amendment rights in pushing for the change in policy.
Opponents of the bill say that it would be too costly to allow firearms on trains, particularly since Amtrak doesn't have the security measures and equipment in place to manage the change. Putting it into place would be too expensive.
A House version of the bill, which passed, doesn't include the gun measures, and the two proposals have yet to be reconciled.
Filed under: North America, United States, News
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 2)
Kent Sep 18th 2009 11:54PM
The simple fact is that many people want to use Amtrak to go to some hunting location. There should be no restrictions on that. Unloaded guns in secure carrying cases is about as safe as carriage can be unless there is concern about Amtrak employees breaking into those secure cases ... In every state in America crime statistics have dropped since those states have adapted concealed carry laws for handgun owners. In some cases, the CHL person goes through a more severe background clearance than rookie cops. The bottom line is that we, the people, are being hornswagled by the leftist media elite anti gunners who live in either delusion or ivory towers. Support your right to keep and bear arms.
TootUnCommon Sep 19th 2009 6:03PM
Nice memory, Amtrak!! Have you already forgotten the shooting spree of that lunatic Colin Ferguson, you fools? Geez!
dan Sep 19th 2009 2:02AM
Too bad patriot citizens weren't allowed to carry arms on 9/11!
dkbrowncpa Sep 19th 2009 6:12PM
Mississippi's Republican Senator Roger Wicker and all of the Republicans that voted for that bill say that Obama and Democrats are terrorist friendly. I guess if terrorists can highjack 4 airplanes and crash them into the World Trade Center and Pentagon, and make a try for the White House or Capitol, who cares if they highjack a train with firearms and crash it like "Silver Streak." After all, a train depot isn't such a big deal, is it? Maybe we should also drop all of the airport security and let people carry guns on planes again. Anyone for a trip to Havana?
These hyprocritical Republicans never cease to amaze me with their stupidity.
Web design Sep 24th 2009 7:18AM
This isnt a big deal. The gun has to be unloaded and in a locked container. Its not like theyre letting people walk around the train with a loaded pistol looking for a gunfight. Youre already allowed to put guns in your checked bags on AIRPLANES if you follow proper procedures.