Houston Zoo Reinstalls No Guns Signs

[JALLEN]

If the Railroad Commission can regulate oil and gas and have nothing to do with railroads, why can't a zoo be an educational institution?

These days, educational institutions probably are closer to resembling zoos than most of us would be comfortable knowing.

[Glockster]

These days, educational institutions probably are closer to resembling zoos than most of us would be comfortable knowing.

(with images of Zookeeper running through my mind)

[sjfcontrol]

If the Railroad Commission can regulate oil and gas and have nothing to do with railroads, why can't a zoo be an educational institution?

These days, educational institutions probably are closer to resembling zoos than most of us would be comfortable knowing.

It's the Humpty-Dumpty theory of politics...

"When I use a word," Humpty Dumpty said, in rather a scornful tone, "it means just what I choose it to mean- neither more nor less."

[Charles L. Cotton]

If the Railroad Commission can regulate oil and gas and have nothing to do with railroads, why can't a zoo be an educational institution?

These days, educational institutions probably are closer to resembling zoos than most of us would be comfortable knowing.

Because they are not. "Education institution" is either a legal status or not. Analogies are not relevant.

Chas.

[treadlightly]

"Educational institution" is not defined in Texas statues. There is something close and it does not help the zoo. I've already written a bench brief on this subject. This is going to cost the Houston Zoo a lot of money.

Chas.

Truly a shame. The fines will have their tiny impact on taxes, but worse, the Zoo will squander part of its budget on an argument that shouldn't be engaged.

It's a tricky question, how to respond if I'm ever asked why I think I need to have a gun to see cute critters.

For my nickel, the best response is just agree. No one individual has any need at any time to have a gun, unless, of course, they are at the wrong movie theater at the wrong time, and reasonable people all agree that will never happen.

To argue otherwise is invite scorn for being paranoid. The fact it's a very basic undeniable right is an unfortunately shaky position to defend.

But even if no one individual has any need at any time to have a gun, a statement I don't agree with, we certainly have a need for the populace to be seeded with armed citizens. It's how the crowd at the zoo can be quietly, peacefully, lawfully hostile to evil, and as cliche as it sounds, evil walks among us, sometimes even at the zoo.

For the populace to be seeded with law-abiding armed citizens, some of us will need to actually be armed. I volunteer. Polite society needs to be unwelcoming to evil.

[oljames3]

For the populace to be seeded with law-abiding armed citizens, some of us will need to actually be armed. I volunteer. Polite society needs to be unwelcoming to evil.

[JALLEN]

If the Railroad Commission can regulate oil and gas and have nothing to do with railroads, why can't a zoo be an educational institution?

These days, educational institutions probably are closer to resembling zoos than most of us would be comfortable knowing.

Because they are not. "Education institution" is either a legal status or not. Analogies are not relevant.

Chas.

But they are funny.

[goose]

For the populace to be seeded with law-abiding armed citizens, some of us will need to actually be armed. I volunteer. Polite society needs to be unwelcoming to evil.

Exactly. Quote and flags. Exactly.

[PUCKER]

Do they confer a degree?

I'm sure they offer a Master's Degree in "Poo-flinging Monkeys"....

[RossA]

Charles, how do you see this playing out procedurally? Have the necessary notices/photos been sent to the zoo, AG, or whoever? What do you foresee as the timetable for things to start moving on this?
Thanks for your work.

[Glockster]

For the populace to be seeded with law-abiding armed citizens, some of us will need to actually be armed. I volunteer. Polite society needs to be unwelcoming to evil.

I like this statement a lot. Reminds me of my favorite Jefferson, et. al. quotes on gun rights -- as I would add "free law-abiding" to it.

[treadlightly]

For the populace to be seeded with law-abiding armed citizens, some of us will need to actually be armed. I volunteer. Polite society needs to be unwelcoming to evil.

I like this statement a lot. Reminds me of my favorite Jefferson, et. al. quotes on gun rights -- as I would add "free law-abiding" to it.

You make my day! In a happy face kind of way, not so much the Harry Calahan way, although he possessed a certain poetry in his nature.

[rotor]

The lawyer that filed the original paperwork, a Mr. Walker, I am sure will be doing the followup on this game of cat and mouse. Sounds like fun.

[NewFoundPower]

I know I don't chime in ever but I do read frequently and have a question on this one.

Is my assumption correct that the new signs are still unenforceable like the last set? Or do we have to wait to see how this turns out before legally carrying at the zoo? Are they wanding people or searching purses? My wife takes my girls there at least a couple of times per month and always carries, but if we need to discuss other entertainment options for the kids I'd rather talk to her about it before she gets searched at the gate and has to deal with the mess that would involve. Thanks.

[Teamless]

I know I don't chime in ever but I do read frequently and have a question on this one.

Is my assumption correct that the new signs are still unenforceable like the last set? Or do we have to wait to see how this turns out before legally carrying at the zoo? Are they wanding people or searching purses? My wife takes my girls there at least a couple of times per month and always carries, but if we need to discuss other entertainment options for the kids I'd rather talk to her about it before she gets searched at the gate and has to deal with the mess that would involve. Thanks.

I think maybe the real answer is "you may beat the rap, but may not beat the ride"

My belief is that the sign is unenforceable, and if I were to go to the Houston Zoo, I would carry on, right past any other sign which was invalid for legal carrying.