SLED: NUMBER OF CWPS HAS DOUBLED IN 2009

More than twice as many South Carolinians have obtained concealed weapons permits so far in 2009 than in all of last year, the State Law Enforcement Division said Monday.

And, according to The State newspaper, that trend is due in large part to Democrats.

More than 28,000 CWPs, which allow residents to carry hidden weapons in public, have been distributed this year. Only 14,630 were given in 2008.

Tom Thompson, president of the Mid-Carolina Rifle Club in Lexington County, summed the fear that most Americans have about President Barack Obama and Democrats in Congress infringing on Second Amendment rights.

“People are thinking, ‘I want to get it and get it now,’” he told The State. “In case the Democrats try to pull something on us, we’re going to have it.”

More information on South Carolina’s CWP program can be obtained by clicking here.