Sign of the Times: Concealed Carry Permits Double in Michigan

Thanks to rising crime and the Gun Salesman of the Year, applications for Concealed Pistol Licenses doubled in number over last year's total.

The Detroit Free Press: Gun permits doubled in Michigan in 2009

Applications and approvals for concealed weapons permits in Michigan doubled last year, as more than 73,000 people sought to obtain or renew licenses in the 12 months ending June 30, and 66,446 were approved, according to a recently released state police report.

That compared to 33,411 applications and 26,578 approvals in the preceding 12-month period.

A department spokeswoman had no immediate explanation for the increase this morning. There have been widespread reports of increased firearm and ammunition sales in 2009, stemming from fears in some quarters that President Obama and a Democratic Party control of Congress might lead to new gun controls.

Between the worries of an avowed gun banner in the White House and a Democrat-controlled Congress, it is no wonder, after all people respond to incentives.

Combine that with the fact that Michigan has the highest per-capita violent crime rate in the Great Lakes region, the fewest police officers per capita and an apparent catch and early release program, its no wonder responsible people are looking to themselves for protection.