TexasCHLforum.com

Here are the new demographics from the DPS.

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administra ... aphics.htm

Maybe I'm overlooking it, but I don't see anything that gives a number for total active licenses.

The total number of active licensees doesn't really matter, a total of 67,000+ licenses issued in FY 2006 puts the lie to the 74,000+ total active quoted by AP.

As I read that data, it seems like they indicate 67,843 licenses were issued between 9/1/05 and 8/31/06. So for that 74,000+ AP number to be even remotely correct, there could only have been 7,000 or so active licenses from the 10 preceeding years. That makes no sense whatsoever. As mike1951 noted, there's nothing stating total licenses that are currently active. It would be nice if they gave that number but it doesn't matter.

G.C.Montgomery wrote:As I read that data, it seems like they indicate 67,843 licenses were issued between 9/1/05 and 8/31/06. So for that 74,000+ AP number to be even remotely correct, there could only have been 7,000 or so active licenses from the 10 preceeding years. That makes no sense whatsoever. As mike1951 noted, there's nothing stating total licenses that are currently active. It would be nice if they gave that number but it doesn't matter.

Yep, Charles quoted a specific overall number in another thread (real specific )
I don't expect him to give up a source just verify.

Well well, Houston Chronicle responds quickly.
Nearly 260,000 have license to carry weapon
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/met ... 03603.html

and commentary from the newshounds at Free Republic. http://209.157.64.200/focus/f-news/1774543/posts

lrb111 wrote:Well well, Houston Chronicle responds quickly.
Nearly 260,000 have license to carry weapon
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/met ... 03603.html

And it's the same Chronicle reporter who wrote the December 24 piece. I appreciate that this current article was released to correct the data. From Melanie's response to me over the holidays, it really did seem as if she had done her due diligence researching the numbers with DPS...as illogical as those numbers were. So I think she deserves another note thanking her for this new article.

Too, I'm especially pleased this hit the papers and the wires while our state legislators are in session. Over a quarter million voters ain't nothin' to sneeze at. And I would hazard to guess that the CHL demographic would have a high voter registration rate, and a high voter turn-out rate, as well. Hm...that would be kinda interesting to know, actually...

I have been of the opinion that the media in general is either very stupid, or very smart...

Stupid because they just don't know any better, and the readership doesn't care to carefully disseminate what is being spewed by the sources...

Or very smart to downplay or mis-represent the facts to help diminish the effect of the presense of law-abiding citizens who respect life and the moral correctness to protect it...

Remember, if there has not been a shooting to report the night before at some "icehouse" or other likely establishment of lessened inhibitions...Its going to be a dull newsday...

Remember it is the template to report such shootings with caution and the need to remind the public:

"Not to take the law into their own hands."

"If you are approached by someone and they wish to relieve you of your money and valuables, don't resist! That will incite an aggressive reaction and you may be more likely to be harmed or killed."

I could go on and on, but I have laundry to fold, and other household duties to perform this afternoon...

But guess what will be within arms reach of me the whole time???

steve-d
since the wife is recouperating I have a big load in the dryer,would you have time to show me some of your folding techniques

I like the fact that two 92 year olds were issued a license. Gives me something to look forward too.

Skiprr wrote: Too, I'm especially pleased this hit the papers and the wires while our state legislators are in session. Over a quarter million voters ain't nothin' to sneeze at. And I would hazard to guess that the CHL demographic would have a high voter registration rate, and a high voter turn-out rate, as well. Hm...that would be kinda interesting to know, actually...

There is a pretty loose theory thrown around that alcoholics and addicts affect at least 6 others (family, friends, co-workers) by their actions and personality quirks. The same is true of those in prisons.

I would say the same or near the same for chls. CHL holders are for the most part head of household. Even though there are households with more than one CHL. Figure they are generally also TCHA, TSRA , NRA, GOA, JFPO, or part of some other gun related organization..

So, figuring their are over a quarter of a million, and extrapolataing that they affect 2 other voting age people, that's 3/4 million votes.
The the unkown numbers of folks that just like to hunt, plink, or keep a "just in case gun" in the house, with no affiliations.

then again, maybe I just like thinking positive thoughts..........

You're very much onto something lrb.
I know many people that have no desire to carry, yet keep guns in the house. Most of them have them around for self-defense, and believe in their RKBA.
I suspect that the antis are actually a minority in Texas, but a vocal one. We really need to be watchful and not let our rights be taken from us simply because someone else believes in a communist utopia.

The total is posted (linked) in small print at the bottom of the demographics page. It's a 10,000 gain over last year. Then number of instructors seems to have stabilized at the mid 1400s.

Last years action shows a big gain in African American licenses. The number is in the seven percent range and seems to represent both new licenses and renewals . It may not represent the overall percentage of active licenses but it does seem in line with the slow but steady increase in African American participation that started out at under 4 percent and has risen ever since the first year .

Thanks guys, I just sent the Chronicle link to the news editor of the Austin American Statesman with whom I had exchanged emails over their coverage of the inaccurate original story.