Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) proposed an amendment to the 2015 national defense authorization allowing military personnel who’d passed state-certified gun safety courses, a background check and a psychological evaluation to openly carry firearms on bases. Last night, he pulled the plug on the proposal. “My concern had been when we had a second shooting without the administration having done anything after the first Fort Hood shooting, and then we have a second Fort Hood shooting four and a half years later, it made no sense not to do something.” And here’s someone who should not do something: former astronaut and current civilian disarmament campaigner Mark Kelley. Kelly welcomed the amendment’s death . . .
“Congressman Louie Gohmert’s amendment forces our military to do something that the Pentagon and base commanders have said over and over won’t make our soliders any safer: permit military personnel to carry loaded guns openly on bases.”
In the car this morning, Dan and I heard Progress Radio talk show host Stephanie Miller voice a similar sentiment, stating that Commanding Officers should remain the ultimate arbiter of gun-free on-base safety. Because they did such a great job at Fort Hood. Twice. Or something like that. [h/t DH]