John P. Rodgers, writing at mondaq.com, has just noticed that ‘guns in cars’ laws are being considered by various legislatures around the country. Here’s a hot tip: he doesn’t appear to be in favor of them. Setting Rodgers’s opinion aside, however, let’s look at the businesses’ objections to the law. To wit . . .
The legislative push – largely backed by the National Rifle Association and other pro-gun rights groups – has met resistance from employers who argue the laws would make it easier for disgruntled employees to cause harm and infringes upon their private property rights.
Let’s take care of that last bit first, the part about property rights. Does this mean that if I hang signs on my business saying things like “Coloreds keep out” or “No Irish need apply” I can count on these property rights stalwarts to support me?
Thought not.
Now about those “disgruntled employees,” let me see if I can follow the logic Rodgers is using here. If states allow guns to be stored in cars, then some employee is going to fly into a murderous rage, stomp out to their Malibu, retrieve a weapon and go back inside to commit multiple acts of murder.
But, if guns are prohibited in cars, then that same employee is going to fly into a murderous rage, stomp out to their Malibu and drive home and retrieve their weapon. Then, rather than returning to work to commit multiple acts of murder, he’ll instead decide to stay home and make a ham sandwich.
Seriously?