Gun legislation is window-dressing for Republicans

To the editor:

Missouri politicians have a horrible record when it comes to defending Second Amendment issues. The latest Republican effort, House Bill 349, is no exception.

HB 349 has many gun-rights infringements written into it. Among them are provisions that would create zones in which law-abiding citizens would be disarmed before entering. A minimum age of 23 years before an applicant could apply for a concealed-weapons permit. The bill includes excessively high fees to obtain a permit and a loophole that would allow local law enforcement officials the right to deny anyone a permit on the basis of suspected negative behavior.

If the bill is passed, there is nothing to stop future politicians from incrementally increasing the number of zones at their discretion.

The main reason for this bill is not to protect gun rights for Missourians. It is to give the appearance that Republicans are protecting gun rights for Missourians. After all, 2004 is an election year.

Missourians deserve better than more watered-down legislation that merely gives the appearance of defending the Second Amendment.

CLINT E. LACY

Marble Hill, Mo.