An argument in favor of guns in church

Josey1

Posted on Wed, Feb. 27, 2002 An argument in favor of guns in churchLike some other writers, I admit I felt a little uneasy about carrying guns into public places -- especially churches. Now, having given the matter deep thought, I have changed my mind.Many preachers have never learned that the average person's attention span is around 25 minutes. Imagine, if you will, the effect of hearing guns being cocked all over the church at noon. Quickly we would hear those words we love so much: "`.`.`. and now, in conclusion`.`.`."As the usher passes the collection plate, he gently pulls back his coat lapel, exposing the butt of his .44 Magnum. An immediate increase in offerings!Guns could result in better quality sermons. If you go to church to hear the Bible being preached but are subjected to a social sermon, cock the pistols. If the preacher gets off the subject of sin in general and starts getting personal, cock the pistols.I see all sorts of potential for guns in church, at business meetings, deacon elections, homecomings -- you name it. We could even have separate seating sections -- armed and unarmed or automatic and semiautomatic. The options are unlimited.WILLIAM R. GEDDINGS JR.West ColumbiaChildren face dangers worse than guns To date, approximately 35,000 concealed-carry permits have been issued by the state. No children have been harmed by the legally carried firearms. Two people have used licensed firearms in an illegal fashion, neither resulting in a fatality.How many children of this state have died at the hands of a doctor who made a mistake or erred in judgment? How many have been injured in school bus accidents? How many killed by those household cleaners and chemicals stored under the sink? How many have drowned in family pools?We can fret and wring our hands over any situation, but a legitimately owned and carried firearm by a law-abiding citizen is only a threat to the evildoer who lurks in the dark corners.In every state that has passed concealed-carry legislation, the pundits of the liberal left have run for cover screaming in fear about the soon-to-come "Dodge City" aftermath. It hasn't happened. What has occurred was the fulfillment of Robert Heinlein's prophecy that an armed society is a polite society.WILLIAM JOEL OSBORNESumterGuns in schools might actually save lives When schools and guns are mentioned in the same context, all the anti-gun nuts start hysterically screaming "Columbine, Columbine".Examining Columbine from a pro-gun position the question "What if?" arises. What if a trained, qualified, licensed concealed-carry permit-holder (principal, teacher, coach, janitor, etc.) had been there equipped to stop Klebold and Harris literally dead in their tracks? We will never know how many lives could have been saved.The law-abiding citizen is victimized by those not fettered by little things like laws.ROY R. LINDSEYNeesesLegally armed citizens don't break the law I find it amusing that there are well-educated, rational people, respected community leaders, who harbor a Chicken Little mentality when it comes to firearms.Since the concealed weapons permit law went into effect, not one gun-toting cowboy with a hair-trigger attitude has shot up the town. There are 40,000 responsible armed citizens out there, and not one has broken the law. Pretty good record, don't you think?Be very wary of those who espouse their platforms by including the phrase, "It's for the children." The tragic loss of children's lives in schools has been at the hands of other children with illegal weapons.JOHN R. CLARK Florence http://www.thestate.com/mld/state/2002/02/27/news/editorial/letters/2754724.htm

daddo

WELL WRITTEN!