Richmond Times-Dispatch
P.O. Box 85333
Richmond, VA 23293
Attn: Editor of Editorial Page

Dear Sir,

I have just finished reading the anti-gun diatribe of Mr. Kevin M. Raymond of Dale City, Guns on School Property? Not for any Reason. I must comment.

As is often the case with those opposed to guns and our right to bear arms, Mr. Raymond misses the point. How will such a law keep someone from bringing a gun onto the school property? Unless you have a police officer patting down and searching each person who comes onto the property how will this be done?

The fact is that there are already laws on the books that address illegal possession and carry of concealed weapons. Why not enforce those laws instead of creating new feel good laws? I would make Mr. Raymond aware that I have a concealed weapon permit. I have been trained in the use of this weapon and in fact, was an instructor in firearms use for many years. Am I to be turned into a criminal simply because I choose to exercise my rights as an American?

I have two children in elementary school. On occasion I have been called by the school nurse to pick up one of my children because they have a fever. Am I to go out of my way and take longer than necessary to pick up my child so that I can leave my gun at home? In deference to the law I lock my gun in the trunk of my car when I enter the school. Would Mr. Raymond still wish to see me charged with a criminal offense?

Mr. Raymond and his ilk are simply going to have to come to grips with the fact that if a crazed individual wishes to bring a gun on any school property, with the intent of doing harm to others, there is not a whole lot that can be done to stop it. The police can only react after the fact. Perhaps, however, responsible armed citizens, who are often at the scene of a crime when the police are not, could do a great deal to keep such a crazed individual from wrecking havoc upon innocent citizens. Just a thought you might consider.

Sic Semper Tyrannis

Sincerely,