LETTERS: PROP B WOULD CREATE TOO MUCH RISK

To the editor:

I opposed Proposition B in the early stages of this controversial issue because I strongly feel Proposition B is not good for our state or, most of all, its citizens. It is my belief that allowing more guns into the community can ultimately result in allowing more guns into the hands of school-age children, some of which may turn up in classrooms and on playgrounds.

The passage of Proposition B would increase the chance of fatal shootings, many out of anger or misperceived fear. Minor conflicts would end in major disasters, and menial confrontations would end in lost lives. The provisions of Proposition B do not send the right message to our young people, many of whom are already living in environments of violence. Let's not create more Paducah, Jonesboro or Pearl tragedies. Families face enough tragedies in today's society as it is.

The National Rifle Association is a strong supporter of Proposition B and will tell you the right to carry concealed weapons is good for the people of Missouri. Of course the NRA is going to tell you this, because is this proposition is passed, it definitely would mean more money in the already huge NRA coffers. But I ask the NRA where it will be when tragedy strikes a family as a direct result of this proposition, if passed.

Proposition B does not have enough teeth and too many loopholes. For one, a 12-hour training course is not enough for a citizen to be properly trained int he handling and use of a handgun. There would be people applying for permits who never handled or shot a firearm in their lives.

Assistant U.S. attorney Larry Ferrell summed it up the best when he said, "This proposal is ill-advised and puts law-abiding citizens at risk."

I strongly urge Missouri citizens to vote no on Proposition B on April 6. Help prevent a tragedy from happening.

JERRY D. WOLSEY

Chaffee