“Good Reason” Is Back In DC… Why Are We Not Surprised?

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA — U.S. District Judge Frederick J. Scullin Jr. put a hold on the condition that D.C. residents needed to demonstrate “good reason” to the chief of police in order to obtain a concealed carry permit. That was May, this is now. The Washington Times has reported that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued a stay pending appeal.  This allows D.C. law enforcement to continue enforcing that key provision in D.C.’s original concealed carry laws that forces residents to demonstrate “good reason”.  Is it Groundhog Day or what?  Didn’t we just move past this?

Here’s the original story from May.  Please note how residents don’t seem to have a problem with this at all.

Now fast forward to two months later. The U.S. Court of Appeals has now effectively frozen what would have become a rightful push to get more D.C. residents armed. D.C. has a very tragic history with armed violence – isn’t it about time they’re allowed to defend themselves?

D.C. Can Have Concealed Firearms – Under Impossible Conditions

It was only recently that D.C. residents were even allowed to apply for concealed carry permits.  Following a landmark decision by the same Justice who recently struck down the “good reason” clause, D.C. residents were allowed to pursue a concealed carry permit pending the District’s managers could draft up criteria.

No sooner had those politicians the chance to mangle up the wording than the “good reason” clause was born.  And with it came the wanton abuse by the Chief of Police.  It’s unknown how many concealed carry permits were issued but as the Washington Times cited in their article, the process was clearly broken.

via Washington Times

After being denied concealed carry permits by Chief Lanier this year, D.C. residents Brian Wrenn and Joshua Akery, and Tyler Whidby, a Florida resident who maintains a residence in Virginia, filed suit.

All three men applied for permits but were unable to demonstrate “a special need for self-protection distinguishable from the general community” or to provide evidence showing that they have been subject to “specific threats or previous attacks,” according to the lawsuit.

How do you demonstrate “a special need for self-protection distinguishable from the general community”?  That is an impossible, illogical standard!

“Hey, I’m more special than these people so I deserve the right to my Second Amendment!”

Who says that?  As if the need for a concealed carry firearm is some sort of special privilege?

Thankfully, a judge struck down those ridiculous clauses that stopped three law abiding men from receiving their concealed carry permits.  And according to that same article, all three were granted concealed carry permits from the District of Columbia following the judge’s decision.

Great job, Judge Scullin, Jr.!

He scored two wins for D.C. and the rights of those residents.  But apparently it wasn’t enough – the appeals process has begun!  And unfortunately, with it is a long drawn out process whereby D.C.’s chief of police can still enforce ridiculous rules.  Hopefully, this is just temporary.

Haven’t D.C. residents suffered enough?  Not only do they have endless fights for fair and equal representation at the national level, they also have to fight for basic rights afforded almost every other part of the United States.