The Eyes Have It

Hell, this country was founded by religious nuts with guns
--P.J. O'Rourke
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Ranger loves guns, guitars, fast cars, dry pants, cold beer, dry toilet paper, and . . . But let's talk guns.

While conducting some bank business, Ranger's banker mentioned a recent patron who did not have any picture identification save for his Florida Carrying Concealed Weapons (CCW) permit. From the banker's perspective there was no problem as this was a valid government-issued picture i.d.

What caught Ranger's undivided attention was that the gun toting subject was legally blind and using a seeing eye dog for mobility. Turns out there are no requirements in the Florida CCW law/application that specify a person must be sighted to carry a concealed weapon. Florida -- The Rules are Different Here.

The law does mandate successful completion of a special course; however, shooting is not a component. In addition, the class requirement may be waived if one has passed the National Rifle Association's Safety Course or if one was handgun-trained in the military. Duh.

So, there is no prohibition against possession of a CCW in Florida if one is blind. Now Ranger loves him some guns, but this is one bridge too far. This legal loophole must be closed, if only for the sake of the dog.

Did Ranger mention the man's dog had only one eye? Ranger reckons that is better than having three legs.