On Tuesday, July 28, 2015, Andrew M. Brooks posted Stage Five - Original Editorial 1 to his blog: Texas is as Texas Does.

I agreed with this article until I came across the argument that there should be no gun restrictions. I don't know about others, but I am thankful that there are restrictions put on who may or may not be eligible to obtain a gun license in Texas.

These restrictions include:

1. felony convictions (permanent) and Class A or B misdemeanors (5 years, permanent in cases of domestic violence), including charges that resulted in probation or deferred adjudication.
    
2. pending criminal charges (indefinite until resolved)
    
3. chemical or alcohol dependency (defined as 2 convictions for substance-related offenses in a 10-year period; 10-year ban from the date of the first conviction)
    
4. certain types of psychological diagnoses (indefinite until the condition is testified by a medical professional as being in remission)
    
5. protective or restraining orders (indefinite until rescinded)
    
6. defaults on taxes, student loans, child support and/or other governmental fees (indefinite until resolved).
    

Every single one of these restrictions improve the safety of our state, except for the 6th restriction that, in my opinion, is not necessary.

Some argue that felons and criminals are going to find a way to get guns regardless of laws. This may be true, but it doesn't mean we should just hand guns over to them. These rules are put in place, not only to protect us, but to grant us a sense of safety and security to Texas citizens. I do believe in the right to bare arms, but I am definitely opposed to unrestricted access.