Bill protects state's firearms laws

To the editor:In response to Jeanne Kirkton's Jan. 30 letter: The bill to which she refers (Senate Bill 217) would enact complete firearms pre-emption, which by no means provides firearms to those who would otherwise be prohibited. Pre-emption merely means that localities would be unable to pass laws and statutes that are contradictory to already established state law regarding firearms. Pre-emption is already partially in place in Missouri. Open carry and certain statutes regarding discharging are currently the only realm of firearms law not covered by Missouri's pre-emption laws. The local regulations placed upon open carry of firearms are not only unconstitutional, but illogical as well, considering that localities have no power to restrict concealed carry or other sections of firearm law. This oversight in Missouri's pre-emption is one that needs to be corrected.

In response to the comment regarding Michael Devlin: Violent criminals do not take great pains to legally obtain their weapons, and this bill would only make it easier for law-abiding citizens to practice their Second Amendment right.

I cannot account for or understand the desire of some people to ensure that there are no armed good guys in their community. Legal open carry is an effective deterrent to crime in and of itself.

State. Sen. Jason Crowell ought to be commended for the initiative he took on this bill, ensuring that the right of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

MATTHEW BROWN, Festus, Mo.