Crime and violence are a problem in this country, and it is a shame that we cannot use reason, logic and facts to discuss solutions to the problem.
Teresa Mesich stated (Voice, May 21) that in defeating the proposed concealed-carry law that the Wild West had been averted in Illinois. She implies that by allowing citizens to carry a concealed gun we would have a society that would be filled with people who would “blow away” another just because they felt threatened.
Unless I am uninformed, the concealed-carry law would not invalidate the statutes making murder and assault a crime, which is what such persons would be doing. Tens of states currently have concealed-carry laws (Oklahoma is considering one). The “poster child” is Florida. Proponents point out that more than 250,000 permits have been issued since 1987, and only a handful have been revoked. But the real issue in Florida is that in a state with a population of more than 13 million, only 250,000 permits have been issued in almost seven years. Hardly the Wild West.
Self-defense experts will tell you that you must consider all methods of self-defense and select one that is appropriate for you. If Illinois should pass a concealed-carry law, the overwhelming majority of us will choose not to go armed. Those applying for permits are those otherwise law-abiding citizens who live, work and provide services to the crime-ridden parts of our state. Many of these individuals are effectively using illegally carried guns every day to deter crime.
