Keep guns on safety
In response to “Decision Could Make Boone More Dangerous” (Jan. 25): The Boone Town Council's move to ban concealed weapons in town parks and town property is logical and obviously the right decision. Why does any citizen need to carry a concealed weapon when on government property?
As a Watauga High School student, I commend the effort by members who voted responsibly to keep citizens safe. By banning concealed weapons in public parks, parents will be able to keep their children safe when they are playing in the park. Wouldn't a concealed weapon in a town park be an invitation to violence, not a deterrent? Even the thought of a concealed handgun will escalate fear. Where would the madness stop? Concealed weapons on Appalachian State University's campus? High school? Elementary schools? The hospital? Day cares?
There is absolutely no need for a concealed weapon in areas where children are. Only trained security professionals who carry weapons openly should be permitted in these areas.
I am in favor of gun rights within reason, but when that invades on people's personal liberties to enjoy safely without fear public parks, I am completely against that. Yes, it is a fact that both the Columbine shooting and the Virginia Tech shootings took place in areas with strict gun laws, but the assailants who were mentally unstable could have been stopped with stricter gun laws, not laws to promote concealed weapons. And while there have been no shootings in Boone, the university campus has been locked down from this kind of fear.
The common sense approach taken by the members of the Boone Town Council should be applauded for keeping our children safer. I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of the Blowing Rock Town Council for passing a similar measure; I commend the citizens of Blowing Rock who spoke up about this measure.
This is what the freedom of speech is all about. We all need to exercise our First Amendment rights and always voice our support or concerns about safety. For this right, I am proud to be an American.
Sebastian IvorySeven Devils
As a Watauga High School student, I commend the effort by members who voted responsibly to keep citizens safe. By banning concealed weapons in public parks, parents will be able to keep their children safe when they are playing in the park. Wouldn't a concealed weapon in a town park be an invitation to violence, not a deterrent? Even the thought of a concealed handgun will escalate fear. Where would the madness stop? Concealed weapons on Appalachian State University's campus? High school? Elementary schools? The hospital? Day cares?
There is absolutely no need for a concealed weapon in areas where children are. Only trained security professionals who carry weapons openly should be permitted in these areas.
I am in favor of gun rights within reason, but when that invades on people's personal liberties to enjoy safely without fear public parks, I am completely against that. Yes, it is a fact that both the Columbine shooting and the Virginia Tech shootings took place in areas with strict gun laws, but the assailants who were mentally unstable could have been stopped with stricter gun laws, not laws to promote concealed weapons. And while there have been no shootings in Boone, the university campus has been locked down from this kind of fear.
The common sense approach taken by the members of the Boone Town Council should be applauded for keeping our children safer. I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of the Blowing Rock Town Council for passing a similar measure; I commend the citizens of Blowing Rock who spoke up about this measure.
This is what the freedom of speech is all about. We all need to exercise our First Amendment rights and always voice our support or concerns about safety. For this right, I am proud to be an American.
Sebastian IvorySeven Devils