THE PUBLIC MIND: CONCEALED-CARRY MEASURE IS A GOOD LAW, WORKABLE AND EFFECTIVE IN 35 OTHER STATES

To the Editor:

In reference to H. Morley Swingle's recent "Be Our Guest" article: I find it difficult to believe that Mr. Swingle can engage in such hyperbole. All of those same arguments and statements were made in and about the implementation of Florida's concealed carry law. The result? None of these dire predictions of blood in the streets or wild west gunplay came true. Instead, Florida citizens with concealed carry permits have successfully defended themselves from criminal attack.

Mr. Swingle, why should I be denied the ability to defend myself, family or society from the predations of the criminal? The armed citizen is a very effective deterrent to crime. After all, the police are not present at the vast majority of crimes. The police are, however, very effective at apprehending criminals after the commission of a crime. I see the two groups as being complementary in the fight against crime.

Are the citizens of Missouri capable of responsibly carrying and using a concealed weapon? It seems to work well in Florida and the 35 other states that have similar laws. Does Mr. Swingle believe that the citizens of Missouri are so much more irresponsible and morally degenerate than those of Florida? Is there any credible reason for a different outcome? If not, then why does he refuse to learn from the Florida experience?

Mr. Swingle appears to believe that a freedom should be denied citizens if a criminal can take advantage of that freedom. While criminals could conceivably get a permit if they don't mind being fingerprinted and investigated this seems unlikely. This doesn't appear to have happened in Florida to any great extent as few permits were denied and even fewer have been revoked. Remember, the criminal does not generally take part in organized society. These arguments for the limitation of freedom to suppress crime ultimately lead to the confiscation of printing presses for fear the criminal will use it to print counterfeit money.

The Prosecuting Attorney, as an officer of the law, may pocket a gun any time he wants to. Has his background been checked? I doubt it. Yet he would deny that privilege to the citizens of Missouri even after a background check.

Finally, to clarify a point, Mr. Swingle states that it is legal to carry a handgun openly. While this is true in that it is not a violation of state law, it is a violation of city ordinance in many Missouri cities. In Cape Girardeau and Jackson you may only carry it in the open if it is unloaded. What does Mr. Swingle expect us to do, throw it or use it as a club?

The concealed carry law is a good law. It has been workable and effective in 35 other states including Florida. We need this in Missouri. Call your Representative and Senator. The phone numbers have been kindly supplied by Mr. Swingle.

Paul H. Cordes

Jackson