Alphecca: FL: No Guns in Cars at Work

February 23, 2006

FL: No Guns in Cars at Work

Looks as though property rights wins out over 2nd Amendment rights for now. From the Florida Sun-Sentinel:

The state's business lobby has rallied in fierce opposition to the NRA proposal, which would guarantee employees the right to bring guns to work, provided the weapons remain locked in their cars. Businesses call the idea a gross intrusion on their private property rights.

"This was a big victory today for the citizens of Florida and for property owners," said Mark Wilson, the executive vice president and lobbyist for the Florida Chamber of Commerce, just moments after members of the House Judiciary Committee agreed not to vote on the measure (HB 129).

"Clearly the Rifle Association thought that they could roll over these legislators in this committee today with bad policy," Wilson said. "I think if there would have been a vote today, I think that it would have been an overwhelming failure for the National Rifle Association."

As I've indicated in the past, there are arguments to be made either way. I have to wonder though, how a business would even know someone has a gun in the glove box or in the trunk unless they blab about it or are indiscrete in front of parking lot TV cameras?

Well, short of getting everyone in the country to actually honor all parts of The Constitution, I suppose that just as is the case that if you don't like a particular state's gun control laws; move. So, if you don't like the policies of a company you work for; find employment elsewhere. I know that's easy to say and is trumped by the need to put food on the table...

Posted by Jeff Soyer at February 23, 2006 07:30 AM

Comments

I tried to answer the question about how they would know, then lost the connection. Managed to save what I had written to email you, and lost that. Anyway, I finally emailed you the answer in one instance, but from a different address and it is an attachment. So don't be suspicious of it, I did use an identifier in the title. Would have posted it here if I could have. Now, of course it is working. I think my IP was having issues this am. Hope it helps. Share it if you like.

Posted by: straightarrow at February 23, 2006 04:31 PM

At our little Mass. real estate office,the policy is " please carry ". A gun out in the car is worthless in time of need. Of course, we are all NRA and GOAL members. Jack

Posted by: Jack Lorenz at February 24, 2006 08:53 AM

I work for a large company with an armed security force. There are signs at the gates declaring a prohibition of firearms on company property, including personal vehicles in parking lots. It further states that personal vehicles are subject to search.

I've never heard of anyone having their car searched. If someone were caught stealing, I wouldn't be supprised if their car were searched in the process of walking them out the door. But what should I do if someone were to break into my car and steal my hypothetical gun? If I report such, I risk getting fired. If I don't, I not only don't get my property back if it's recovered, but I put police and other security forces at risk.

It's fair to suppose that the policy is meant to make the workplace safer and more secure. In fact, it has the opposite effect. By disarming law abiding employees, you reduce their ability to protect themselves and help in times of trouble. The security measures in place do nothing to prevent an employee intent on causing trouble from doing so. I respect the right of property owners to set the rules of behavior, but I believe they're making a mistake.

Posted by: Aaron at February 24, 2006 02:20 PM

Aaron - We Don't have to worry about this here in Mass. The liberals have simplified our lives by not allowing firearms left unattended in vehicles. They also make it difficult to carry them. That must be why we don't have any crime here. You guys living in America just need to catch up! Jack

Posted by: Jack Lorenz at February 24, 2006 02:36 PM

'As I've indicated in the past, there are arguments to be made either way.'

I disagree. The only property right issue I can see is that your car is your property and what lawful items you keep in it are no one's business.

Posted by: SayUncle at February 26, 2006 11:26 PM

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February 23, 2006

FL: No Guns in Cars at Work

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Colony: Alchibah