tak2w
Regular Member
Paper published a letter today in response to this editorial...
Letter: N.C. safer with concealed guns
http://www.reflector.com/opinion/letters/letter-nc-safer-concealed-guns-358483
At the risk of offering what is likely to be interpreted by your editorial staff as, “rhetoric that rings hollow,” I am very disappointed in your lack of support for reducing restrictions on where concealed handguns can be legally carried in our state (HB 111). In addition to state parks (including campgrounds that are often remote) this will include restaurants with ABC permits (most dinner restaurants).
You suggest that this will, “condone potentially putting a deadly weapon within reach of the irresponsible.” This isn't true. The defensive weapons at issue will be in the possession of sober (alcohol cannot be consumed when armed) citizens with concealed handgun permits, which are by all statistical measures a responsible group.
You suggest that this, “threatens to do more harm than good” and “seems like a recipe for disaster.” These are unfounded emotional assumptions that shouldn't be characterized as reasoned opinion. You only need look to our northern neighbor for the facts. Concealed carry in restaurants that serve alcohol is permitted in Virginia and the fears you promote have not been realized.
The notable tragedies in Virginia have occurred where concealed carry still isn't permitted, college campuses. So unless you're suggesting that North Carolinians are less responsible than Virginians, there is no reason to oppose concealed carry in restaurants. In an increasingly violent society you want the good guys carrying guns; the bad guys will be whether or not it's legal. Citizens with concealed handgun permits are good guys. The more of them there are, the safer society will be.
KEN SODERSTROM
Greenville
Letter: N.C. safer with concealed guns
http://www.reflector.com/opinion/letters/letter-nc-safer-concealed-guns-358483
At the risk of offering what is likely to be interpreted by your editorial staff as, “rhetoric that rings hollow,” I am very disappointed in your lack of support for reducing restrictions on where concealed handguns can be legally carried in our state (HB 111). In addition to state parks (including campgrounds that are often remote) this will include restaurants with ABC permits (most dinner restaurants).
You suggest that this will, “condone potentially putting a deadly weapon within reach of the irresponsible.” This isn't true. The defensive weapons at issue will be in the possession of sober (alcohol cannot be consumed when armed) citizens with concealed handgun permits, which are by all statistical measures a responsible group.
You suggest that this, “threatens to do more harm than good” and “seems like a recipe for disaster.” These are unfounded emotional assumptions that shouldn't be characterized as reasoned opinion. You only need look to our northern neighbor for the facts. Concealed carry in restaurants that serve alcohol is permitted in Virginia and the fears you promote have not been realized.
The notable tragedies in Virginia have occurred where concealed carry still isn't permitted, college campuses. So unless you're suggesting that North Carolinians are less responsible than Virginians, there is no reason to oppose concealed carry in restaurants. In an increasingly violent society you want the good guys carrying guns; the bad guys will be whether or not it's legal. Citizens with concealed handgun permits are good guys. The more of them there are, the safer society will be.
KEN SODERSTROM
Greenville
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