Now that an extreme gun bill has passed the Georgia legislature, I'm going to have to strike the state off my list of vacations spots. The NRA calls it a "historic victory for the Second Amendment." Hooray for the NRA. They didn't mention that Georgia, the state, is likely to suffer for it.
I've been to Georgia, and it's a beautiful place, and the people are (generally) friendly and welcoming. But I'm not going to a state with so-called "guns everywhere" laws like these:
The bill allows people with a weapons permit to carry loaded guns into bars, as long as they do not consume alcohol — although the bill does not say how that caveat would be enforced.
It allows guns in public areas of airports and eliminates criminal charges for permit holders caught with guns at airport security. It authorizes school districts to appoint staff members to carry guns at schools, ostensibly to defend students in case of an attack.
It allows felons to claim the Stand Your Ground defense — in which someone who “reasonably believes” his life is in danger has no duty to walk away and may instead shoot to kill. And that is just the beginning.
Most Georgians polled oppose this bill. The police hate it, as do restaurant owners. But the legislature apparently has its own mind.
Georgia, if the governor signs this bill, you're off my list of places to visit. I won't be seeing you. I guess you won't miss me, though you might miss my tourist dollars. But best of luck!