Georgia's New Gun Law

A Wall Street Journal reporter called to ask some questions about the problems of data analysis and the new Georgia gun control law.  I had to study fast to make sure that I understood it.  Just about all of it makes sense, as long as you are a responsible adult.  For a number of years, you have been allowed to carry concealed in a bar, but you couldn't drink.  Now you can drink -- although not to intoxication.  A beer with dinner shouldn't really be a problem, although I do worry that it might impair your performance if you actually have to draw a weapon.  And of course, there are irresponsible sorts for whom, "One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor" is not just a funny saying.  I suspect that Georgia licensees that irresponsible are pretty rare, and will be weeded out pretty quickly, hopefully without gunfire.

Another provision that must seem pretty terrifying to the gun control crowd repeals the requirement that persons who have voluntarily committed themselves to a mental hospital are ineligible for a concealed carry license.  Sometimes people voluntarily commit themselves to avoid being involuntarily committed.  On the other hand, there are people with serious depression or anxiety problems who might be reluctant to seek treatment for fear of being disqualified from a concealed carry license in the future.  I suspect that this is another one of those provisions that will be a net gain, but you don't have to be a hoplophobe to be slightly nervous.

It also appears that even involuntary commits might get a license, at the discretion of a judge, based on the recommendations of those treating him.  Again, I can understand some nervousness; it rather depends on how sensibly judges in Georgia use that discretion.  Some people have short-term problems that lead to involuntary commitment, and those problems are cured or go away.