Thoughts On Carry

The only place I had to disarm all the way across from North Carolina through Virginia to Iowa was in Illinois. I didn't think it would bother me much, but I didn't like it. It's kind of strange, I guess, how it gets to be second nature and when you can't carry you are aware of the lack of that weight and bulk at your side, even though the bulk and weight is relatively small.

In Iowa I can carry just about anywhere. There are doubled fines for committing public offenses when in designated weapons free zones (the area in or on, or within one thousand feet of, the real property comprising a public or private elementary or secondary school, or in or on the real property comprising a public park. A weapons free zone shall not include that portion of a public park designated as a hunting area), and I cannot carry on actual school grounds, but carry is not prohibited by Iowa law anywhere else (including, amusingly enough, the aforementioned "weapons free zones". Federal laws still apply of course).

Persons with permits can carry openly or concealed, and the permit also covers other concealed weapons such as blades over 5" in length. I can even have a beer if I want to provided I am not over the limit (0.08). I have not noticed bloodshed in the parks, shootouts in the street, or carnage and mayhem in the restaurants that serve alcohol for consumption on the premises. See North Carolina? It can be done.

There are some times I am proud to say I was born and raised in Iowa (and other times I want to say "Never heard of the place," particularly at election time), they do manage to get some things right. This is one of those things.

Now if the Illinoisians can get carry in their state I will be good all the way across.