http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100719/ap_on_re_us/[WORD TOO LONG]
http://tinyurl.com/2dyvvxk
Gun permit allows quick access to Texas Capitol
Michelle Wittenburg AP – In this June 17, 2010, image made from video Austin lobbyist Michelle Wittenburg, right, takes aim on …
* Get gun license, avoid security at state capitol Play Video Video:Get gun license, avoid security at state capitol AP
By JAY ROOT, Associated Press Writer Jay Root, Associated Press Writer – Mon Jul 19, 10:05 am ET
AUSTIN, Texas – Everyone from lobbyists to lawyers and journalists is rushing to get permits to carry guns inside the Texas Capitol, where legislators already often tote pistols in boots and purses or stow them away inside their desks.
A unique loophole in a new security procedure means a gun permit is like a special-access pass into the domed building, allowing people who are certified to carry a gun to bypass lines at the metal detectors that were set up after a shooting incident earlier this year.
"Nobody wants to be the one standing in line behind three hundred kids wearing the same colored T-shirt," said University of Texas political scientist Jim Henson. "If you're trying to get in and out really quick and there's going to be choke points, well, people don't want to have to deal with that."
There's now a frenzy for folks to get trained and licensed to carry a firearm, especially before the legislative session begins in January. It's not required that people have a gun to enter the Capitol through the express lane. Merely holding a valid permit, and presenting it at the entrance, will get them expedited entry.
"Everybody is doing it or is planning to do it," said lobbyist Bill Miller, who has taken the required training and is waiting for his license to arrive in the mail.
The metal detectors were installed at the Capitol's four public entrances in May, a few months after a man fired off a few rounds outside the doors of the main entrance. No one was harmed.
Republican Gov. Rick Perry, who is known to sometimes carry a .380 caliber pistol, vehemently objected to the metal detectors, saying he didn't want to see airport-like security logjams at a Capitol known for its open and freewheeling culture.
Texas law allows people to carry a weapon if they have a permit and as long as the gun is concealed. A separate lane for license-holders had to be created so gun-toters could enter without having to pull out their weapons — or unconceal them — along with their wallets and keys.
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Originally posted by AThousandYoung...
What does one have to do to get a permit?
It's all been great for business, said Mike Cox, who has become the go-to guy to train political insiders on getting their gun permits.
"There's been a burst of interest. They want to get that express tag to gain entrance to the Capitol," Cox said. "It's their job. They don't want to be impeded by visitors on busy days when there's a lot of tourists."
Cox has a shooting range just south of Austin, and lobbyists and others in the political in-crowd take his 10-hour class.
The students learned about nonviolent resolution techniques, listened to harrowing 911 calls and, to demonstrate the dangers of a firearm, horrifying videos are shown that include a graphic suicide and one in which a man accidentally kills his friend. They also have to pass a written test on the course material and then must undergo a background check, pay about $260 or so in fees, and get fingerprinted.
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Originally posted by zeeblebotSo this Michael Cox can say yea or nay to anyone who wants a permit? That doesn't seem very fair.
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It's all been great for business, said Mike Cox, who has become the go-to guy to train political insiders on getting their gun permits.
"There's been a burst of interest. They want to get that express tag to gain entrance to the Capitol," Cox said. "It's their job. They don't want to be impeded by visitors on busy days when there's a lot of touri ...[text shortened]... undergo a background check, pay about $260 or so in fees, and get fingerprinted.
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