Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Lawmakers OK guns at work; Portage worker opens fire


Talk about bad timing.

I usually don't agree with much that the Indiana Chamber of Commerce has to say, but on the issue of guns in the workplace I have to agree with the chamber folks -- guns don't belong at work.

Ironically, the day after the General Assembly passed a law allowing Hoosier to take their guns to work as long as they keep them locked in their car or truck, an "angry worker at the Department of Workforce Development in Portage walked out to his car, grabbed a 12-gauge shotgun, and fired into his office," The Post-Tribune reported.

Here's more from the P-T:

"All of the arguments against this are now coming true," State Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary, said when he was told about the shooting Friday. "I'm sorry to hear that. I really am."

Supporters say the bill protects the Second Amendment rights of Hoosiers, making sure they are able to protect themselves while they are at the workplace.

"It goes back to the fundamental constitutional right to bear arms," (State Sen. Ed) Charbonneau, R-Valparaiso, said.

Gov. Mitch Daniels didn't commit to signing the bill when he met with reporters Friday. He said he wants to read it first. Republican Daniels is flirting with the idea of a presidential bid in 2012. It'll be interesting to see how he handles a bill championed by the NRA.

But Brown called out the powerful lobbying group before the House's vote on the bill. He joined local lawmakers who included Smith and Randolph in speaking out against it, saying the NRA's influence cuts across party lines.

"I think once and for all we need to tell the NRA, 'Hell, no, you don't have a stranglehold on this chamber,'" Brown said. "I'm not afraid of the NRA."

Northern Lake County lawmakers told their colleagues the legislation wasn't popular in their hometowns and crosses a dangerous line. They argued the owners of private properties should decide whether guns are present.

"I think we're violating a very personal right," (State Rep.) Vernon Smith, D-Gary, said.

In that much, Smith and Charbonneau might agree. Charbonneau said the bill might end up in a courtroom to sort out the conflict between the rights of property owners and gun owners.

But Charbonneau said he chose to vote with the constitution.

"It's not an easy issue to decide where to come down," Charbonneau said.
Posted by Terry Burns at 4:05 AM