PROP B: GOOD REASONS FOR VOTING YES

In the heat of the debate, both opponents and proponents of Proposition B have gone overboard at times. As the first state in the nation to have a vote on allowing concealed weapons, Missouri continues to be closely watched, even though most other states already have some form of concealed-carry laws on the books.

Like in real life, once a statement is made by either side -- no matter how dubious -- that statement is presented again and again as fact. Here are some examples:

-- Proponents make a big deal over the fact that 43 other states allow concealed weapons to some extent. Yes, but that argument is similar to the one heard so frequently in homes where teen-age sons and daughters reside. "All my friends get to stay out after 11 o'clock," the teens say. To which parents are heard to reply: "If all your friends jumped off a cliff, would you want to jump too?"

Because this important decision is being left up to Missouri voters, unlike the laws in any other state, it really doesn't matter how many other states do or don't allow concealed weapons. The question each voter must answer for himself is what good reasons are there for Missourians to have -- or not have -- the right to carry a concealed weapon.

-- Proponents also say crime has gone down in states that allow concealed weapons. Correct. But crime also has gone down in Missouri and other states that don't have concealed-carry laws.

-- Opponents say allowing qualified citizens to get permits to carry concealed weapons will mean guns will be used more frequently in the heat of an argument or as a result of road rage. That hasn't been the case in all those other states with concealed-carry laws. Why would it be different in Missouri?

-- Proponents say voters should approve concealed weapons because Missourians already are permitted to carry unconcealed firearms. That's partially correct and partially wrong. Hunters, for example, can carry loaded weapons, but they are generally required to have hunting licenses. But most local jurisdictions, including nearly every city, town and village in the state, have ordinances forbidding the carrying of weapons, concealed or not, by average citizens. Yes, those same citizens can have loaded guns in their homes for protection, but most police departments would respond quickly to reports of anyone carrying a gun down Broadway in Cape Girardeau.

-- Opponents say the cost of administering the licensing requirements of Prop B will overwhelm sheriff's departments and county budgets. Yes, that could happen if every eligible Missourian applied for a permit, but other states with permits haven't seen that happen. It is estimated some 22,000 Missourians are likely to seek permits if Prop B passes. That averages out to about 190 permits in each of the state's 114 counties and city of St. Louis. Of course, the permits will more closely follow population density, so rural counties are likely to have far fewer permit requests.

-- Many proponents say they are in favor of Prop B because it will allow them to protect their homes and families. They can, of course, already do this without a concealed-weapon permit.

As arguments go, the one that popped up in Jefferson City last week may make the least sense. House majority leader Wayne Crump of Potosi suggested not funding Gov. Mel Carnahan's request for more security from the highway patrol since the governor opposes Prop B. Legislators have a curious way of making their points most of the time, but this is about the most curious of all. High-profile officials like governors and presidents deserve extraordinary protection. This has nothing to do with the issue of concealed weapons.

Bottom line: There are good reasons to support Proposition B in next Tuesday's election, even if you don't plan to tote a loaded weapon. Most Missouri voters are clear-headed enough to make their own decisions in spite of the questionable claims on both sides.