I knew it !!

Yesterday, Tennessee Governor-elect Bill Haslam (at left) announced his latest cabinet appointment on his website. He named Bill Gibbons, current Shelby County District Attorney General, as Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. It's an "interesting" appointment since Gibbons was a bitter rival of Haslam's for the Republican nomination for Tennessee Governor. Gibbons battered Haslam constantly regarding his wealth and his failure to fully disclose his tax returns. He implied that Haslam's wealth made it difficult for him to relate to everyday Tennesseans. The tactic failed. So, Gibbons dropped out of the race early throwing his support to Haslam prompting me to suspect something was up. There was as Haslam rewarded him with a job. Surprise, surprise.

During the governor's race, I met Gibbons and spoke with him at length on one occasion. He seemed to be a nice guy who could connect with about anyone. However, shortly after that meeting, the Gibbons campaign sent out a mass e-mail in which he proclaimed that he was "the only gubernatorial candidate who OPPOSED the restaurant carry bill." When I received that e-mail, I immediately crossed Gibbons off my list of who might get my vote for governor. In addition, I sent his campaign a stern e-mail asking to be taken off their e-mail list and informing him that I would not be voting for him and why. With me, as a politician, if you do not support the right to keep and bear arms 100% of the time, you can forget about getting my vote. For example, an attitude of "I'm pro-gun except for (whatever)" does not cut it. It tells me they are not 100% pro-freedom and personal responsibility.

In my opinion, Haslam's appointment of Gibbons to head the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security is additional evidence of Haslam's stance on the gun rights of Tennesseans. In previous blog posts, I have stated my reasons for believing that Haslam is NOT pro-gun. His appointment of the anti-carry Gibbons to head the department that administers the gun carry permitting process is further evidence of that. Gibbons does not believe that a law abiding citizen has the right to carry a firearm in order protect themselves or their family in case of a criminal attack when dining in a nice restaurant that sells alcohol (i.e. - O'Charley's, Applebee's, etc.). The keeping and bearing of arms is fundamental for a free citizenry and is a way of life for many Tennesseans. He is way out of touch.

Carry laws have expanded greatly in Tennessee in the last couple of years. Many have a goal that one day Tennesseans will enjoy the freedom of a Vermont-type carry law. Personally, I do, too. I fail to see the reasoning behind requiring Tennesseans to need a permit and pay what amounts to a tax to practice a God-given freedom. However, I do not expect that to happen with an anti-gun, former district attorney general at the helm of the Dept. of Safety and "Homeland" Security backed by an anti-gun governor-elect. I believe Gibbons will influence Haslam and others to begin restricting Tennessee's gun laws as a way of fighting crime and promoting public safety. It's what attorney generals do. However, history has shown time and time again that policy doesn't work because criminals do not obey gun laws. I would love to be wrong, but I now  expect the carry rights of Tennesseans to slowly contract until they are non-existent ..... again. 

Related articles

• Gibbons in at Safety and Homeland Security (politics.nashvillepost.com)
• Memphis DA Bill Gibbons appointed to Gov. Elect Haslam's cabinet (commercialappeal.com)