Out with the new, in with the old

Down here in Orange County California we’re coming into an election year. Our current Sheriff, Sandra Hutchens, is appointed and not elected. She was chosen to replace Carona when he was federally indicted on corruption charges. We’ve had a rough time down here with our public office holders, and I think this coming election the people are going to let them know how they feel. I’m publicly supporting Bill Hunt as a candidate at this time. I feel his views are much inline with what I’d like to see in a Sheriff. One of the major talking points lately has been CCW (California Concealed Weapons Permit) issuance. Carona made it a point to issue CCW’s to people who contributed money to him, but not to normal, everyday people. Hutchens who is currently the appointed Sheriff revoked over 400 CCW permits issued under Carona’s term.

Now, the issuance and revocation of CCW’s falls solely on the Sheriff. Under California law there must be a ‘good cause’, which is deemed worthy by the Sheriff. Hutchens sees no ‘good cause’ in anything. While Hunt says he’ll issue a CCW to anyone for any reason, so long as they pass the background check and complete the required training. This is a huge improvement over the current system, and in fact, it completely eliminates any possible corruption in the system.

Now, just the other day a new candidate has announced his running, and his name is Craig Hunter. Hunter says that he’s going to be more open to ‘good cause’ statements. However, his statement really leaves it open ended for him to still discriminate if he so chooses. Now, the idea that the Sheriff can pick and choose who can protect themselves seems a little absurd. But, this is the world we live in. Fair is not a word that is used, and “that’s life” is what we’re accustomed to. Generally I’d have to say this is correct, but with a persons rights, and their own self preservation, I’m going to have to disagree completely. It should not be in the interest of the Sheriff, local government, or federal government, to limit the options in which people can defend themselves. We are the people that make up the government. We’re the voice that gives them power. We need to stand fast and tall and make our rights heard.