In response to those who are second amendment naysayers. I just have a few points to make.

Law-abiding citizens are at a perilous disadvantage against criminals if they are not armed. If someone is willing to kill someone, they're not above breaking the laws that prohibit them from obtaining a firearm whether through an illicit exchange outside of the law or home manufacturing. The surest way to level the playing field is to do the best we can to make sure that stable, responsible individuals have access to firearms if they want them. People love to say "The way to fix guns isn't more guns," but it's undeniable that if someone has a gun and wants to kill you, the fastest and surest way to stop them is with a gun of your own. Guns, especially handguns (which are the most strictly controlled in this country) are the greatest equalizer you could ask for.

My wife for example is short, petite, and no match for a 250lb musclebound behemoth (even if he is unarmed) who values the money in her pocket more than human life. However were she exercising her right as an American citizen to defend herself by concealed carrying a handgun, the situation would be much different. Of those two scenarios, the second one is the one that I much prefer, especially were she to be traveling with our three children.

However, the issue with the second scenario is that it is impossible in St. Lawrence County where only ‘outdoor sports’ handgun licenses are issued, which means unless she is on her way to, from or engaging in some form of vaguely suggested activity (hunting, fishing, hiking, ATV etc.) she is in breach of the concealed carry permit restrictions! So the reality of what we’re being told is that even though you qualified for a concealed carry permit, which is arguably the highest tier of scrutiny you can undergo for civilian firearm ownership (In order to get a concealed carry permit, you need to have a background check performed, fingerprints taken, an in-person interview with a police detective and then final approval is done by a judge.) you are still not valuable enough to the state to protect your life or the life of your family.

In closing, for what it’s worth I know there is no easy answer to this debate. There are valid points on both sides, with no perfect solution. However I do know that disarming mentally capable, and competent citizens is definitely not the correct option.

Luke Bryant

Winthrop