Posted 5/16/01 Strongly opposed to concealed carry To the editor: I feel compelled to respond to the numerous letters to the editor railing on Senator Twyla Ring for her recent position on the conceal and carry legislation. This is an awful bill that has nothing to do with hunting! First of all, make no mistake - Iím an avid hunter, belonging to numerous hunting organizations. My 13-year-old daughter has gone through gun safety, shot her first deer last year during rifle season and went bow hunting out west last fall. My 10-year-old son canít wait to hunt! Both of my kids are even members of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association. So, Iím not some yuppie flake who hates guns. People who support the conceal and carry legislation must not realize what the heck is in this bill! This bill allows for virtually anyone who applies to carry a concealed weapon to get one. Come on guys, there has to be a compromise here. This bill goes dangerously too far. Again, this bill has nothing to do with hunting or protecting oneís home or business! Today, I can legally keep a handgun in my house or place of business. I can transport a handgun between home and work. I can carry a gun in the woods, fields or on state waters for hunting or target shooting. I can legally transport a gun in a car, snowmobile or boat if the gun is unloaded and secured. People, what more do you want? Weíre not living in the Wild Wild West. Right now, if someone really wants to carry a hidden handgun in public places - including our freeways, grocery stores, workplaces, sporting events or even bars - they must apply for a permit. If local law enforcement authorities deny an application, the decision can be appealed to the district court. Itís just that simple. Supporters argue this legislation is necessary because some sheriffs arbitrarily deny permits. If indeed that is the real problem, letís look at a sensible way to address that issue! Flooding the streets, shopping malls and our communities with more guns is not the answer. I commute down to the cities to work every day. With the growing congestion, I see more and more road rage. Now instead of fist fights and hand gestures - people might just pull out a gun and shoot someone. How would you like to be a cop after this bill passes, knowing that just about every person you pull over might be concealing a gun under the seat? How about local bars? When a fight breaks out, do you want to be there when someone pulls a gun? How would you like to be the guy who has a concealed handgun under your seat and some neighbor kid finds it and shoots himself or your kids? How safe will you feel at the mall or at a sporting event, knowing that the loudmouth yelling at the coach may be armed? Although this legislation is opposed by local police and sheriffs, I just found out it has a really good chance of becoming law. Again, I normally support gun rights, but I hope to hell Senator Ring votes against this bill! Edward T. Truskolaski Rush City ©Post Review