In many states across the United States, it's getting easier to carry a gun -- and many say it's the result of a new common sense brought about by the 911 incident.
Loose end lawmakers finally realized that none of the 2,985 victims of the 911 attacks was carrying a firearm when they were violently killed.
"It was a dagger to the heart of the founding fathers, who said it was the right of every free America to defend their life, liberty and happiness." said a lawmaker.
A nationwide review by The Associated Press found that over the last two years, 24 states, mostly in the South and West, have passed 47 new laws loosening gun restrictions.
Among other things, legislatures have allowed firearms to be carried in cars, made it illegal to ask job candidates whether they own a gun, and expanded agreements that make permits to carry handguns in one state valid in another.
Tennessee and Montana, for example, have passed laws that exempt weapons made and owned in-state from federal restrictions.
There have been gun-friendly law changes in other states. Arizona, Florida, Louisiana and Utah have made it illegal for businesses to bar their employees from storing guns in cars parked on company lots. Some states have made handgun permit information confidential and others have allowed handgun permits to be issued to people who have had their felony convictions expunged or their full civil rights restored.
One lawmaker said, "As far as the victims of gun violence are concerned, they should have been carrying a bazooka when they got attacked and they'd still be alive today."
