Having been in law enforcement this is an important issue. I can see both sides of the argument. Personally I do not have a problem if a RESPONSIBLE law abiding citizen wants to carry a concealed weapon. If it makes them feel safer, then so be it. People should be safe in their homes and their person (as it is usually stated). But all who decide to carry better understand the responsibility that this burden places on them. The training part is good, if the local Sheriff (who I am guessing will be responsible for the training and permit issue) has a good standard that they demand the people follow.

Another little tip.. you might want to consider some kind of insurance coverage for that rare instance you might ever need to pull that weapon and use it. I can assure you, the attorneys of anyone involved with or injured in the incident, will be hunting your head. With no insurance, you risk your savings, personal property, even future earning potential in any civil liability law suit.

Now I would like some feedback from those that intend to carry. One of the points is, This point bothers me. Like I point out. I have dealt with people. And I know people, and how they react. Many are going to be of the mind set, one or two drinks is not going to bother them... right? So what penalty should be evoked for the person that does go to a tavern, has one or two beers lets say, and is then in possession of a firearm? What of the person that was not armed at the tavern, and had one or two beers, returns to his car and there arms themselves. Should this be regulated? Lets say, a person goes armed to a tavern. Has a couple drinks. And is then checked and arrested by police for the violation. How many violations should this person get, before his CCW permit is pulled? Should a past OWI have a bearing on ones ability to obtain a permit?

Should there be an absolute sobriety clause with the CCW laws (what are your thoughts)? After all we hope our police officers that protect our society are not doing so under the influence (although there have been cases of such). Also they are trained in many departments monthly and then once or twice a year they attend shoot don't shoot schools. So should someone with a CCW be required to be sober? I can assure you, any time that CCW is in my possession, I will be sober.

Do you feel it should me mandatory that in the event you are stopped by any law enforcement personal for any reason that you are required to tell them you are armed, and where such weapon is located? Perhaps this is a provision.

What about the person that is armed. Parks his car, walks to the store and claims he does not see the sign restricting him from the CCW restrictions. What should be done in this case? Notice is says, the business if posted is free of "legal liability" should an incident occur. So if someone lets say is robbing the 7-11 you are in, and you draw down on them and a gun battle occurs. In that battle, the perpetrator shoots and kills an innocent bystander. And let me point out. You did not shoot the bystander. But your actions did cause the gun battle. Are you liable?


Some things to also consider... the decision to shoot or don't shoot falls on many factors. A good example, Madison had a person walking on the west side that was robbed by two young men. There was no weapon involved, only the threat of (and I understand they did assault him) strong armed robbery. Do you feel the person attacked with non deadly force, would have been justified in shooting? If you answered no ... What if he did not resist, and during their robbery, his weapon is taken from him. That same weapon the next day is used in the commission of a crime and an innocent killed. Do you feel the original owner bares some responsibility for that weapon getting into criminal hands?


I am going to guess, but I believe all the weapons you intend to carry with, will need to be registered. Are you ready for that? What if they discover one of your weapons as listed NCIC/CIB. Are you ready to surrender that weapon to authorities?

In summery, the decision to carry is a personal one. But with that decision are many responsibilities that the carrier must understand, face, and be accountable for. There are places I would like to have a CCW, like in my car, or when I go for a walk. But I can not stress enough the need to know when to shoot and not to shoot. Also you might want to consider a very safe place to keep that weapon when you are not going to carry. Cars are broken into all the time. Is your weapon going to be secure? Believe me, under the front seat is a poor place to hide a weapon. Homes while safe, have dangers more so with the occupants we live with. Do you have a safe place for that loaded weapon?

I agree Wisconsin needed this law. And I fully intend to carry. I've done it safely for years. But if you have any doubts while armed that you might not want to engage an attacker, then please listen to your gut feelings. Its better to scare someone off then to shoot them. That criminal element will surface and be caught another day. Last thing and then I will end this rant... if you have any doubts (and believe me I have seen trained brave people freeze up) that you can not pull that trigger and take someone's life, then do not carry. Its not a toy to be pulled to scare someone away. Or to even threaten with. By the implementation of the CCW law, you are telling the public that you are ready to take someone's life.

What is your feelings?