LETTERS: FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES IN PROP B

To the editor:

The debate about Proposition B can be analyzed by two fundamental principles. First, would the law increase individual freedom and liberty? Second, would the law protect our lives, homes and property?

First, the issuance of permits for only law-abiding citizens to carry concealed firearms would increase individual freedom and liberty. As Missouri citizens, we have a fundamental and constitutional right to bear arms. However, present law limits our right. The Missouri Legislature, both Democrats and Republicans, debated this issue for years and ultimately passed House Bill 1891, in the House 124-33 and in the Senate 26-8. Thus, our Legislature overwhelmingly favored this law. Nationally, 43 of 50 states allow their law-abiding citizens the right to carry. Many would argue the law is so restrictive with protective measures that any increase in freedom is limited. Even though this is true, it does provide enough safeguards to satisfy most reasonable people. A constitutional amendment would be an improvements over Proposition B, but as written it enhances freedom for law-abiding citizens.

Second, this law would protect our lives, homes and property. If you own your life, your home and your property, then you have the right to defend yourself against anyone who would deprive you of it. The right of self-defense is a basic right of all free people. It is guaranteed by centuries of jurisprudence and by our Missouri Constitution. Guns afford law-abiding Missourians the chance to defend themselves against criminals who kill and rape our family and friends, criminals who break into our homes and steal our property. Police cannot be everywhere, nor should we delegate our right of self-defense to them. All the credible evidence shows states with right-to-carry laws have lower violent crime rates. Clearly, preventing law-abiding citizens from carrying handguns does not end violence, but, in fact, makes us all vulnerable to attack. Surveys of convicted criminals show an understandable desire to avoid armed victims.

In conclusion, Proposition B, if passed, would increase our individual freedom and preserve our right of self-defense. Patrick Henry said, "The great object is that every man be armed. ... Everyone who is able may have a gun. ... Are we, at last brought to such a humiliating and debasing degradation that we cannot be trusted with arms for our own defense?"

On April 6, vote for freedom when you vote yes on Proposition B.

JAMES M. McCLELLAN

Sikeston