Tom DeLay Forbidden From Taking His Guns to Town
The author of the original bill, Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, who was a state senator, said the section of law calling for suspension of licenses of people under indictment should probably be removed from the statute…. “There is a presumption of innocence. Would we take away his First Amendment right to free speech?” Patterson said.
For some odd reason, the idea that Tom DeLay’s license to carry has been suspended due to his felony indictments fills me a sense of calm and relief. Of course, having said that, I’m also somewhat uncomfortable that a legal right has been taken from DeLay simply because he is accused of criminal behavior. No one who has been paying attention for any length of time will accuse me of defending Tom DeLay, but when last I checked one is still innocent until proven guilty…and DeLay has yet to even go to trial.
As much as I detest DeLay and everything he stands for, I find it difficult to advocate that he should be treated any differently simply because of who he is. IF he is convicted of a felony, then by all means revoke his license to carry. That’s what happens to convicted felons. As of right now, though, Tom DeLay is an accused criminal, not a convicted one. He still has rights, and this is still America, where due process still means something.
Would you feel better about it if he were accused of a multiple homicide? Come to think of it, I think the local justice system can hold you in jail w/o bond if they deem you a hazard or can keep you from traveling out of state if they feel the need. The carry license can be a suspension according to Texas administrative code for as little as a Class B misdemeanor. He will get it back if he is found not guilty. BTW he does have a capitol policeman watching his family and him, presently. So don't feel too bad.