I came across this story about the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, buried in today’s cover story from the WSJ: “The [Taj Mahal] hotel had metal detectors, but none of its security personnel carried weapons because of the difficulties in obtaining gun permits from the Indian government, according to the hotel company’s chairman, P. R. S. Oberoi.” (p. A8, Wall Street Journal cover story, “India Security Faulted as Survivors Tell of Terror.”)
The article also states: “Some officers tried to fight back, [but] there was little his force could do. Most police officers at the station — as they are throughout India — were unarmed or carried only bamboo sticks known as lathis. More than 40 people, including three police officers, were killed in just a few minutes.” (p. A8)
Too bad India doesn’t have concealed weapons permits, even for security guards. I’m sure the terrorism could have been minimized, or maybe avoided, if they had.
I offer a complete chapter on gun control in my book, EconoPower: How a New Generation of Economists Is Transforming the World. Take a look here, and pick up a copy!
In liberty, AEIOU,
Mark Skousen
