Like it or not, guns are just other forms of tools. Ever heard of a gun jumping up by itself and hurting anyone? No. Neither will an electric powered Skilsaw. Both are tools, but both need to be “activated” by humans. Both are deadly if misused. Both can cause injuries if not carefully employed.

The closest comparison I can offer is guns and women. Ladies, you all are as dangerous as any weapon in the world, but you are also (or should be) loved and respected.

Our state has an “open carry” policy — very good until you see some of the characters carrying what looks like a Saturday night special in a cheap holster. They could be disarmed in about 4.5 seconds by anyone with the training to do so. I can.

I saw a young man in Walmart with his pistol in a decent holder, but his left hand was holding up his pants and his right hand was carrying several bags of purchases. I could have crowned him with a squirt gun before he could have responded to any threat.

Guns in church? Get used to it. There is no such thing as a “hard target.” Any law enforcement lobby accessible by the public could be a soft target. 

Legal concealed carry people need to do so with caution, but with boldness to do what is necessary to protect themselves and anyone around them.

— Bill Lentz

Salisbury