Memphis paper publishes concealed-carry gun list, re-ignites debate over wisdom of doing so

This past September, we reported that some states were closing access to databases on concealed-weapon permits, in the wake of The Roanoke Times' controversial publication of Virgnia's database in March 2007, a story we also covered. Tennessee may soon join the ranks of those, after The Commercial Appeal of Memphis, a Scripps-Howard paper, published that state's database on its Web site.

Editor Chris Peck, whose family publishes the Riverton Ranger in rural Wyoming, defended the decision, noting the recent shooting over a parking dispute was committed by a man with a concealed weapon permit. A Commercial Appeal story by Richard Locker notes that the database had been running on the site for two months and few had paid much notice. Also, the list has been stripped of birth dates and addresses. But a campaign by the National Rifle Association and the Tennessee Firearms Association has put it at the center of debate.

Mark Norris, leader of the Republican majority in the Senate, says the database "has added to the concern by a number of people who fear for their safety -- either those who have permits and may be identified as having weapons in their homes, and those who by exclusion are not identified and now feel susceptible to those who may look to see who are not permitted." (Read more)