Post by goomba on Jun 1, 2009 21:07:59 GMT -5
Chattanooga: Replay of Online Chat with State Senator Andy Berke
www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jun/01/chattanooga-replay-online-chat-state-senator-andy-/?local
watch the video, I love the comment "here's one that is NOT about guns"
Live Chat Online with State Senator Andy Berke (06/01/2009)
8:56
Senator Berke: test
9:00
David Barry:
Senator Berke is here and is are ready to take your questions.
9:00
[Comment From Steve Robinson]
Senator Berke, First let me thank you for your hard work and representation of the people of Hamilton County. My first question to you is: why has there been assumption by those of you who have been against the current handgun bill to think that those of us who are law abiding citizens would certainly start to break the law by consuming ascohol just because we are in a restaurant that serves it, while we were carrying a concealed weapon?
9:02
Senator Berke: I don't think that's my assumption. A huge majority of people with handgun permits are law abiding, and would be in a bar. That doesn't change my outlook, though, as the people around will be drinking, and the combination of guns and alcohol is a bad idea -- even if initially the gun holder is sober.
9:02
[Comment From Jamie]
With more Tennessee homes in foreclosure and more people losing their jobs statewide, shouldn’t the Legislature be focusing on those jobs instead of guns in parks?
9:04
Senator Berke: Yes. No matter how you feel about guns in bars, I don't think it's the pressing issue for our citizens. When the Legislature began in 2008, unemployment was at 5.3 percent. Today, it's a 9.9 percent. Our middle class is hurting in ways that I have not seen in my lifetime, and that should be our number one concern.
9:04
[Comment From Steve Barrett]
"Senator, you voted in favor of a bill to expand the number of Tennessee children who may attend charter schools. But your fellow Democrats in the House blocked the bill. Tennessee could lose $100 million in federal stimulus money because of the lack of innovations such as charter schools. Should Democrats in the House rethink their opposition to expanding charter schools here?" Steve Barrett Columnist
9:07
Senator Berke: Charter schools are not the answer to our educational needs, but they serve a place in our system. We should use whatever innovations they use to succeed in our normal public schools, just as we would with any positive methods. But teacher quality results in an excellent education in any school, and that should be our focus.
9:07
[Comment From Michael R.]
This is a state full of gun lovers who vote. Aren’t lawmakers who opposed guns legislation afraid of alienating an important block of voters in the next election?
9:09
Senator Berke: Sure. Every lawmaker considers the political consequences of a vote. But the sponsor of guns in bars in the Senate is someone who genuinely believes that gun-free zones don't work, politics aside. I truly believe guns in bars is a bad idea, politics aside. And that's the way each of us has acted.
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I liked berke, I even voted for him. but I think he needed to do some more research on this issue. I doubt I will help him get a second term.