| City could lose Spring Fling in gun fight |
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By: MICHELLE WILLARD, Post Staff Writer
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Posted: Wednesday, July 1, 2009 2:12 pm
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Spring Fling may have a new home, if Murfreesboro doesn’t take steps to ban guns in parks, the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association said.
Last week Murfreesboro’s City Council deferred a vote on a blanket ban keeping carry-permit holders from bringing handguns into city parks.
Mayor Tommy Bragg suggested deferring the vote until the city heard the TSSAA’s position on guns in parks, which the city heard earlier this week.
“They (the TSSAA board) have a zero tolerance policy about guns at their schools,” Bragg explained. “So they went ahead and applied that to sporting events. …That would obviously determine where a safe site for their sporting events would be.”
And, according to the TSSAA, a city park that allows handguns is not a safe environment.
Bragg said, although Spring Fling is important to the city’s economy, there are multiple reasons for backing the guns-in-parks ban.
“In comparing all the events we have in our community, it is important to have a safe and hospitable environment. …” Bragg said. “It’s extremely important to consider all the aspects of the environment that we offer.”
Bragg can understand each side of the argument and understands the rights of those who have handgun-carry permits, but isn’t sure there is any way to compromise the issue.
But for now City Police Chief Glenn Chrisman said MPD will enforce the law as it is written.
"Presently we will follow the legislation passed by the General Assembly, however the city does retain the option to opt out in the future pending discussion by city leaders," Chrisman said.
The question came about after City Manager Roger Haley proposed a city-wide ban in municipal parks after Tennessee’s General Assembly passed a law that allows persons with carry permits to bring handguns in state and city parks legally, as along as the local municipality agrees. The law will go into effect Sept. 1.
The resolution would have prohibited the carrying of guns in municipal parks, natural areas, historic parks, nature trails, campgrounds, forests, greenways, ball fields, golf courses, sport complexes and community recreation centers within the Murfreesboro city limits. The penalty for doing so will be a maximum of a year in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Bragg said the city already has a gun-in-parks ban on its books, but it may need to officially opt out of the new state law to ensure the ban is legal. The council will probably revisit the issue at its next meeting July 9.
Michelle Willard can be contacted at 615-869-0816 or mwillard@murfreesboropost.com. |
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Member Opinions:
By:
Geana on 7/1/09
I'm with TSSAA. Why does anyone outside law enforcement need to carry a gun with them anyway? Even those with permits?
I guess the city could go ahead and rent metal detector entranceways and scanners, post signs everywhere, and while they're at it... check for alcohol and drugs :)
By:
Momma on 7/1/09
People have carried their guns into parks, restaurants, and bars for years, and will continue to do so regardless of the law. Don't be so naive!
By:
kjhoop on 7/1/09
Yes, guns are carried everywhere. If you do not think our parks are unsafe, just try walking the greenway from College Street to Cannonsburg. YOu will be overrun with the homeless begging for money, vandals, drunks, you name it. Not a safe section of the City Park System. I wouldnt walk this section of the greenway without a gun. The edge of Patterson Park is the drug capitol of Murfreesboro, ROgers Park is about the same situation. The Siegel Soccer park will soon become unsafe as well with all of the gangs playing basketball there(all Races)not being a bigot here. At least my gun gives me a chance in the event of a robery or worse.I would rather be tried for shooting a criminal than be buried for being unarmed.
By:
canalou on 7/1/09
Metal Detectors? Mental Detectors would be more like it for those who advocate toting pistols to school-aged child athletic events. Amen!!
By:
TFS94GT on 7/1/09
Geana- People besides law enforcement carry guns to DEFEND themselves. Its a pretty simple concept actually. Put up your metal detectors and see how many people show up. Its laughable how much bad press you folks are making for yourselves out of something that shouldn't even be an issue because the statistics speak for themselves- Permit holders aren't the ones using their firearms to break the law.
Canalou- Maybe if a teacher had been armed during the Columbine incident there wouldn't have been so many "school-aged" casualties now would there?
I think the woman in this vid- would know a little bit about the need to carry a gun-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIeyn0-rdx4
By:
bornhere on 7/1/09
I walk the greenway almost everyday, at different times an in the areas college sreet , Cannonsburg and to say it's overun with homeless, vandals, drunks is absolutely untrue. People need to get a grip on this stupid fear mongering that goes on ! As for this silly debate about the Spring Fling debate I feel that I can assure you that Mayor Bragg will do the proper (and legal) action. As far as guns being carried, well some people carry (legal or not) and have been for a long time. As for me I don't for the obvious reasons. Remember, a man who carries a gun needs to. This kind of legislation will cause a lot people to considered the need.
By:
Keith_H1 on 7/1/09
There have been too many arguements over the second ammendment so I won't even bother here. Liberals have their minds made up and think that if we all could just have a Coke and a smile everything would be just fine. Unfortunately, there is evil in this world and it's getting worse daily. With economic problems, crime goes up. I have no desire to shoot another person for two reasons...........having to live with the fact took another life even if they deserved it, and the almost guaranteed legal issues. But.......I'd rather be judged by twelve and get counselling for my conscience than be carried by six to my grave. That might still happen anyway but with my gun I at least have that option. do you naive people actually think a law banning guns in parks is going to keep criminals from doing it? They look at "gun free zones" as a buffet. Wake up!!
Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
Luke 22:36
States with right-to-carry laws have lower overall violent crime rates, compared to states without right-to-carry laws. In states whose laws respect the citizen’s right-to-carry guns for self defense the total violent crime is 13% lower, homicide is 3% lower, robbery is 26% lower and aggravated assault is 7% lower. (Data: Crime in the United States 1996, FBI Uniform Crime Reports)
By:
tnlonestar on 7/1/09
Well i think for the city of Murfreesboro saying there wanting to make these parks & ect. safe from Gun permit holders is STUPID!
Permit holders aren't the ones who are commiting the crimes! What Are the city officials saying? TBI & The FBI Are stupid???? There all the ones who do the background checks for the people who get there carry permits.
Besides What is Murfreesboro saying here? Nowhere is safe Except parks & ect. where they can try to keep the honest carry permit holders from bringing there guns. WHAT A JOKE!
What makes an officer of the law better than a honest person that has a carry permit? All you idiots that dont believe in our rights to bear arms Should get together & vote to take all firearms away from law officers,Military persons & ect Then you will see what kind of country this will be huh?
The law cant be everywhere a crime takes place. If they were i wouldn't have a carry permit myself & worry about protecting my family. But to have to leave my gun in a locked car when i go to certain places worry me & it should worry you too,Because if a criminal breaks in & steals my weapon Then it might have your body on it Since the only safest places are parks & ect.....
By:
bennychaff on 7/1/09
I've seen more stories about hot-headed cops around here than I have hot-headed permit holders. Why does everyone think this is going to be such a problem? Permit holders have been carrying guns around town for years. It's not a new law. They are just extending the right to carry in more places.
By:
abide on 7/2/09
Let the tssaa go they are all about who's got the most MONEY. As for the post from "bornhere" I would much rather carry my firearm on my person and not need it as to be in a situation and need it and not have it because persons like you think only people who carry need them. I agree with "keith h1" and other supporters of self protection.
By:
vdanr on 7/2/09
This whole thing is so ridiculous!!! Even if you carry a gun legally you still stand the chance of getting shot. Or, what happens if you try to "defend" yourself and you miss the person you are aiming at. That stray bullet could kill someone else.
Before the gun toters get hot under the collar let me say this, to each his own. If you feel the need to carry a gun to protect yourself then that's your choice. My problem is with all the "what if" situations.
1. What if you gun is taken from you
2. What if you accidentally aim at a criminal and shoot an innocent bystander.
3. What if someone steals your gun
4. What if ....
I am sure that those who have taken the steps to legally carry a gun are very responsible. But, I personally choose not to. Like I said, to each his own.
By:
Geana on 7/2/09
I'm guessing some didn't see the sarcasm in my metal detectors comment :)
Of course anyone who feels they need a gun is going to carry a gun... permit or no permit. It's up to those carriers to assess whether going to TSSAA events indicates a highly volatile atmosphere and keep their finger on the trigger at all times. An enraged parent might decide their kid should have won and blow a ref's brains out.
To each their own.
By:
Macgyver on 7/2/09
Its all about the money, TSSAA knows that Murfreesboro has some deep pockets and dumb people in control of it. Today we have the Chamber asking for donations as they ready the bid for the TSSAA in August. Never mind the 5.1 million Chamber of Commerce Center will be built near the Avenue. The city wants to use this "gun at TSSAA" issue as a way to take away our rights.
When I was in high school in Illinois and we played a state game of any sort, which happened to be also at non-academic fields, the principal would remind us at the pep rally or the morning announcements that even though we won't be at a school watching theses games. We were still bound by our schools code of ethics during the games, i.e., no smoking, no weapons like knives or guns, and even our attire was called into question.
Does the TSSAA not have the power to ban weapons like a business does? Couldn’t they ban guns in the parks when games are going on?
By:
Ponycar on 7/2/09
Most of the time, the police don't protect you from anything. They respond to the crime after you become a victim and try to find who did it.Citizens have a right to protect themselves. Gun free zones only assures criminals that their prey is unarmed.
By:
jg13 on 7/2/09
I guess Keith_H1 answered the question of WWJD. "For God so loved the world, He sent his only begotten Son to bust a cap in a mutha..."
It's interesting to note that 1200 "law abiding" gun owners in TN have lost their permits since 2005 for felony convictions.
Like I've said in other posts, I'm more afraid of the cowards to scared to leave their safe suburban homes unarmed than I am of the minuscule crime rate in Murfreesboro. Keith_H1, if I eat my words, when I get to Heaven I'll ask God his (or her) thoughts on the Second Amendment vs. the Sixth Commandment.
By:
dab1231 on 7/2/09
Say goodbye to the TSSAA power grabbers and if they bow to this organization then vote the council out.
By:
RonB on 7/2/09
jg13: Where did you get your information about 1200 permit holders having felony convictions? Sounds like a lot to me.
By:
jg13 on 7/2/09
It's in a widely circulated AP article: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/06/05/national/main5065208.shtml
By:
bornhere on 7/2/09
One parting shot.............(sorry) I don't think the TSSAA has the authority to demand anything! If they would "prefer" that people do not carry weapons that's fine, but to arrogantly demand that local governments choose to "opt" out of a law that is constitutional is over the top. Whether you agree or not the law applies to everyone. Legal permitted gun carriers have a right to equal protection under the consitution too. I keep seeing an ongoing problem of institutions and indiviuals choosing which laws they want to obey or not obey according to their agendas..........I am afraid it is more about money than public safety.........nuff' said, move on'
By:
peri_winkle on 7/2/09
Of course the TSSAA can demand what it wants! That's what you do when you negotiate a deal.
It's a free country! Remember?
By:
peri_winkle on 7/2/09
Also, re this about the greenway: "If you do not think our parks are unsafe, just try walking the greenway from College Street to Cannonsburg. YOu will be overrun with the homeless begging for money, vandals, drunks, you name it. Not a safe section of the City Park System."
I've walked that section many, many times and nary a one did I see any such thing. I'm sure it exists, but it is not as this person would have you think. Pure hyperbole.
By:
peri_winkle on 7/2/09
And just one more thing about this free country we have: Any and every business has the right to choose whether to allow guns on its premises, and every one of us has the right to choose which businesses to patronize on that basis. We'll see which is the majority.
By:
mhm2a on 7/2/09
I have e-mailed our council members to express my feelings in this matter and received an automated response from the mayor and one response from a council person.
Both responses mentioned the "Children" and their safety. However, there are many private and public venues that children frequent and I currently have the right to carry. Many churches, day cares, children's stores, etc...and the fact is I can not find any references to children being harmed in any of those areas by law abiding permit holders. It's not about the children, but they are a damn good excuse to use when dealing with the general public. Any person who uses his or her own brain can see through that argument.
Please think about our parks and green way systems that are less frequently traveled and not an optimist ball game or the TSSAA tournaments. I would sincerely like to be armed while I canoe the Stones River watershed or enjoy many of our local Wildlife Management Areas.
By:
peri_winkle on 7/2/09
Even the bars in Talkeetna, Alaska, require patrons to check their guns w/the bartenders. Seem 'em do it.
By:
mhm2a on 7/2/09
In Alaska you have a better chance of being eaten by a polar bear too.
By:
bennychaff on 7/2/09
Where will the TSSAA take the Spring Fling if not M'Boro? Have those cities banned guns in their parks?
As for the 1200 revoked permits. Why were these revoked? I don't remember 1200 shootings by permit holders. Besides, if they're caught with a gun again they go to jail. Unlike the multiple DUI offenders that are still behind the bottle and the wheel.
By:
canalou on 7/2/09
I'm a Friends of Long Hunter State Park member, our trained law-enforcing Rangers are fearful about guns being allowed in the park. But then, they're not as smart as you NRA folks....you know more than they do....
By:
TFS94GT on 7/2/09
jg13= Moron
Its laughable how you automatically denote someone who carries a tool of self defense a "coward" so bravely behind your keyboard.
I happen to recall back in 99' a woman was raped when she got off of work behind what is now big apple bakery when it was still a photo lab. Low and behold ever since she has carried a gun. Of course by your rhetoric crimes like that never happen in M'boro and she's a "coward" for carrying a gun.
Whats most ridiculous though is how you have your head so firmly entrenched in your posterior that you can pretend that Murfreesboro's crime rate is "miniscule". Never mind all the articles from the past few days alone such as "Thieves escape with $32,000 in lawn equipment (7-2-09), "Thieves steal GPSs/vandals slash tires" (7-1-09), "Robbers escape with $5600 from cash express" (6-30-09), "Victims testify about being beaten and bound" (6-29-09), "City police investigating car burglaries" (6-24-09), I could go on all day but in your eyes I'm sure it wouldn't make a difference.
As far as the Green way goes take a stroll through the new section that passes by the weekly rate hotel under old fort. I've seen homeless people hanging out there frequently and been asked for money more than once around Cannonsburgh and Dodge Store.
By:
abide on 7/2/09
Moron= SILLY LIBERAL
By:
tnlonestar on 7/2/09
Canalou.... Thats the whole problem. Your Friend The mighty Forest Ranger plus all the Law Officers Wants to be the only ones who are armed with guns!
What gives them the right to be the only people who can protect themselfs.Do you ever hear of any Permit holders doing crimes agianst them or law officers? I Didn't think so
Some of the people with badges think there above the law...NOT ALL,But some. Most of them that do are the ones that dont want the permit holders in these areas.
Do you think that these Officers & Rangers have the right to carry there guns anywhere they want to when there not on duty? Besides it's just a job like everyone else has & when there not at work these laws should apply to them as they want it to apply to the legal permit holders of tennessee right?
The fact is they want to have full control,Carry there guns Anywhere,Anytime no matter if there at work or not & Thats BULL!
By:
TFS94GT on 7/3/09
Right on tnlonestar. What forbearance does Canalou's supposed friendship with a park ranger have on this topic? I know two Park Rangers that work at the Battle Field in Murfreesboro and welcome permit holders to carry in the park. Whats your point Canalou?
By:
springs on 7/3/09
Canalou, here's the question you have to ask yourself; Would you rather have the opportunity to defend yourself against crime or watch a ballgame?
By:
Owl on 7/3/09
The legislature erred in allowing local governments to opt out. Every county and municipality in Tennessee is having this same debate. Please contact your legislator to request that they correct this in the next session which will stop all of the local bickering. I doubt if the legislature had intentions of placing local governments into a position of being dictated to be some ignorant geek at the TSSAA.
By:
bennychaff on 7/3/09
How about that shooting at the MTMC ER this morning? Anyone going to report on that? You can't even go to the hospital now without getting shot at.
By:
jg13 on 7/7/09
Not only am I brave behind my keyboard TSF94GT (I'll go ahead and ignore hypocrisy in you doing the exact same thing), I'm brave enough to go to Applebees without my gun, brave enough to walk the greenway without my gun, brave enough to go the park without my gun, etc.
I'm sorry a woman got raped. I'm also sorry for the folks that had some items stolen from them. These things happen and will continue to happen, but throwing guns at the problem is like throwing gas on a fire to put it out. Don't get me wrong, I don't care if you own a gun. I like to hunt and target shoot as much as the next guy. This isn't an argument about ownership. It's an argument about carrying concealed weapons in public places. Having guns around kids begs trouble. I stand by my statement that responsible gun owners are responsible enough to know when to leave it at home. I also think if gun owners spent half as much time and energy on education and community outreach, this would be a non-issue. So be it if that makes me a silly moronic liberal hiding behind a keyboard instead of a reactionary alarmist hiding behind a pistol.
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