LETTERS: BANKER FAVORS RIGHT TO CARRY GUNS

To the editor:

It has come to my attention that the Missouri Bankers Association has seen fit to oppose the right to bear arms, or Proposition B, as set up in the referendum for public vote on April 6. I wish to state my position as a two-term chairman of the MBA Legislative Committee and a bank president who has had six armed robberies.

First, the U.S. Constitution specifically states the right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed upon. The opposition to Proposition B is a direct violation of the Second Amendment and an insult to our Founding Fathers.

Second, you claim the right of free speech under the First Amendment. You would have no rights if there were not a Second Amendment.

Third, the MBA has asked members to turn their depositor list over so that the governor and his daughter may mail anti-gun propaganda. IN addition to politicizing of private secrecy, this is a total violation of public trust and civil rights.

Fourth, it should be remembered that few to no criminals acquire weapons of any type through legitimate means. Any form of restriction is only helping them to disarm the law-abiding person.

Proposition B would allow for background checks for applicants. Any person with a bad history should and would be turned down. This still would not preclude outlaws from having guns any more than the present restrictions against law-abiding citizens.

Remember that guns have never killed anyone. It is the man behind the gun who has.

HARTLEY G. BANKS

Fulton