Judy's Essay on the Minnesota Personal Protection Act
Normally, I don't put other folks' writing here; this is my soapbox, after all.But my thirteen-year-old daughter Judy just finished an essay for the Star Tribune Mindworks competition, and I think it's awfully good. Which is why it's here.
The writing is hers. Sure, there's a couple of things I disagree with; but, hell, it's her essay, not mine; I'm just the proud father.
Over to you, Judy.
Way to go, kiddo.I think all people who are qualified and have passed certain qualifications should be allowed access to a firearm. Being able to carry a handgun in public makes you feel more secure knowing that if you or someone you love is attacked and you are there, you can defend yourself and the other person.
There are many responsiblities that come with owning a firearm. If you do want a permit, you must first go through a training course on firearm safety and the legalities of everyday carry. These courses can cost anywhere from under a hundred dollars to up to three hundred dollars. Students of these courses must sit through a classroom part and then they must pass a shooting qualification. Thy must have at least a 70% score witch is 105 points out of 150 points on a target. The target is set at 15 feet and 21 feet. Each student must shoot three rounds of five bullets at each target. If and when the student passes their course, they have the choice of getting a permit that year. For a person to apply for a carry permit, they must have attended a carry course and passed the shooting qualification in that same year. If they decide to apply for a carry permit, they must take their certificate that shows they have passed the course they took, and go to The Local County Sherriff's Office.
Once you do get your permit, it is your decision to actually carry a gun daily. If you decide to do so, you must have your permit and driver's license with you at all times. The local police will not come to your door and say, "Excuse me sir, you haven't been carryiong a firearm for two days. Get that gun out of your lock box and get out on the street and carry it!" That won't happen. If you do carry out in public,it is a good idea not to carry openly. Let me make one thing clear: THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A CONCEAL AND CARRY LAW! There is however the Minnesota Citizens Personal Protection Act that is now the law, that allows permit holders to carry openly or concealed. It is a better idea to carry concealed however. This is because people may become frightened and also, if you are being mugged or held up at a store it's better for the real criminal to not know who's carrying a gun and who isn't. Another reason to carried concealed is to avoid scaring people. Many people can feel frightened when arounds firearms, even if they're with someone they know.