There is talk about some legislation in the works that would require all states to recognize other state’s concealed firearms permits and licenses.

At first blush, one would think that persons holding concealed firearms permits, the NRA, USCCA and other firearms owner’s rights associations would be ecstatic — and some are.

Those of us who get paid to find unintended consequences, back doors and slippery slopes, however, see a potential for abuse and expansion of the law. Some believe that there may be a later effort to create federal licensing standards, or the creation of a national permit registration database. Both of these actions are feared by privacy and firearms advocates alike.

Regardless of your stand on firearms ownership, if any, what if the supposed unintended consequences are actually intended, and what if they have little, if anything to do with firearm owner’s rights, but licenses and permits, and expanding federal control in general.

Should it be determined that the federal government has the power to require all states to recognize firearms permits and licenses from other states, then what could be next?

It would only be a small step, using the Firearm Permit Recognition legislation as justification, to extend this compulsory recognition to professional licenses such as those to practice law, engineering, real estate and medicine. Perhaps trade licenses for electricians, plumbers, and real estate agents could come next, dealing yet another punishing blow to state’s rights.

While this theory may seem to be an example of tin-foil hat paranoia, I only ask that you take a look at history to observe even more absurd stretches of federal power through similar ‘loopholes.’

Let’s not be so preoccupied avoiding the potholes in one road, that we fail to see that the true and unfortunate destination could be down another far more perilous one.

That’s my opinion, and you’re welcome to it