In response to the letter by Carol Evans concerning the opinion of first responders about "sensible" gun laws, let me assure her that this first responder (law enforcement) regards gun laws as sheer folly, as well as blatantly unconstitutional.
Blaming gun owners for the acts of criminals is akin to blaming automobile manufacturers for the acts of those who drive under the influence. There will always be those among us who misuse technology to the detriment of their fellow citizens. The proper response is to criminalize improper BEHAVIOR, not the possession of inanimate objects, an approach that always proves to be a failure. What did alcohol prohibition accomplish other than giving us the gangster era? What has been the result of our so-called "drug war" (which law enforcement lost before it ever began) other than to take the tropical paradise of Mexico and turn it into a blood-soaked wasteland?
It has been firmly established that armed citizens prevent millions of crimes per year. Let me assure Ms. Evans that the concept of the good guy with a gun is FAR from a myth, and during my professional career when I was asked by citizens what personal actions they could take to prevent crimes in their communities and protect themselves and their loved ones, my response, as a patrolman, sergeant and finally a lieutenant was always the same:
Join the National Rifle Association, get trained and carry a gun.
Lieutenant Harry Thomas
Much to my surprise, The Star printed a letter of mine on today's editorial page.
That's Great. Congratulations!
I've very supersized they printed this at all.
You'll remember this...
When that Stupid Judge years back promoted no-knock searches against the 4th amendment and we had that rally on the steps downtown. All the reporters were cool but the "Star" people really didn't act like they wanted to be there. This tiny blond interviewed me and she was literally like... "OK, ya, whatever" attitude the whole time. I don't think I've heard anything good about them since I've been out here.
If I'm not mistaken Mr. Liberty Sanders, you spoke there.
Well done.
Do you think there might be a response to your letter? Could you keep us updated on the amount of support letters you get in the Star? I hope there are many.
Morgan88
You are an effective spokesman for gun owners everywhere.
Well said! To the point, factual, and persuasive. You have a knack for writing.
I dunno what happened to Smith, but Tully died.
Opinion/editorial allowed some conservative views since.