Yeah, Right, Whatever

A new North Carolina law will require that domestic abuse victims be informed by the court how to apply for concealed weapon.

“We’re not interested in them shooting their abusers,” said Paul Valone, president of Grass Roots North Carolina. “We’re interested in delivering a message: When police can’t protect these people, they are capable of protecting themselves.”

The measure becomes law Oct. 1 unless Gov. Mike Easley decides to veto it. His office declined Wednesday to comment on his plans.

The bill, which passed overwhelmingly in both houses of the legislature, would also add protective orders to the evidence a sheriff can consider when determining whether to issue an emergency permit to carry a concealed weapon. Normally, an applicant must wait 90 days for such a permit.

How often are battered spouses murdered after being granted a restraining order? Law enforcement personnel can't be everywhere all the time. There has to be a way for these victims to protect themselves. The mere fact that their spouse just might have a gun might keep one of these goons from attacking the "love of their life" again.