In a message dated 9/11/03 3:59:05 PM Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
<< The Missouri Senate voted today in favor of concealed weapons, meaning Missourians will be able to start carrying hidden guns. The Senate voted 23-10 to override the veto of Gov. Bob Holden, who had rejected the measure sent to him by lawmakers earlier this year. The new law will take effect in 30 days. >> Before anyone who doesn't deserve it jumps in to take credit, I believe the successful efforts this year are primarily due to the work of an activist group called the Western Missouri Shooter's Alliance. Many of you on this list have met both Gary Davis, the President of the group, and Kevin Jamison, an attorney and the group's legal advisor. These two, and a handful of other people, have been working almost continuously for at least twelve years on this issue. Kevin Jamison, ofc. 816-455-2669, recently published a book called Missouri Weapons and Self-Defense Law (Merril Press 2003), which is now slightly out of date. He can be contacted online at [EMAIL PROTECTED] Most folks had given up hope in April, 1999, when Missouri's Prop. B failed in a last minute vote push (many believe vote fraud) from St. Louis area precincts. Had it not been for the redoubled efforts of Kevin and Gary over the last 4 1/2 years, CCW would never have happened in Missouri. This new law would make an interesting case study in the power of grassroots activism to overcome prejudice and many political losses with planning, voter and legislator education, firearms training classes, and the sheer grind of meeting and convincing people one-on-one that the concept was valid. My hat goes off to these two and all who helped support the effort over the years. Less credit goes to the naysayers over the years who alternately hoped it would pass, but said it wouldn't, and then did more to ensure the latter by doing nothing. Celebrating in Kansas City tonight, Scott Hattrup
