Handgun idea is dumber than dirt

To the editor:The story "Bill would end bans on carrying guns openly" explains the truly exasperating and unfortunate legislation sponsored by state Sen. Jason Crowell of Cape Girardeau that would allow untrained people to publicly carry guns on their hips, shoulder holsters or in their waistbands after passing a background check.

Most folks prefer having the opportunity to exercise local control over their own community standards. This legislation would further turn a deaf ear to municipal government regulation of firearms and community wishes.

Consider that Michael Devlin of St. Louis County stands accused of kidnapping Shawn Hornbeck and Ben Ownby from rural areas using a handgun and he most likely used it to subsequently intimidate the children. Devlin had no prior criminal record and had Crowell's proposition been in effect earlier, he would have passed a background check to legally carry guns openly were he not caught.

How many others -- hot heads, domestic abusers, drug dealers or gangsters without criminal records -- would qualify?

This idea is dumber than dirt. Bury it quickly and get on with the people's business.

JEANNE KIRKTON, Webster Groves, Mo.