This letter from The Gun Rabbi was published in The Wall Street Journal on July 23, 2009.
To the Editor,
"The Last Thing New York Needs Is More Guns" by Robert M. Morgenthau, notes that New York State "imposes careful restrictions on who may carry concealed firearms." Yet apparently "85% of the gun crimes in New York City are committed with weapons smuggled in." It seems that somehow criminals acquire guns despite Mr. Morgenthau's "careful restrictions" -- which apparently apply only to law-abiding citizens. Mr. Morgenthau's solution? "Fewer guns on our streets" in the hands of licensed citizens who have been through extensive background checks and training before receiving a license to carry. Somehow allowing these citizens to carry defensive firearms would put more arms in the hands of criminals, the same criminals who seem to be doing a fine job finding guns already. Mr. Morgenthau inscribes "Criminals Safe Here; No Guns Allowed" on our law-abiding citizens' homes, wallets, and persons.
As for me, I hope that Thune's reciprocity amendment passes Congress; between that and a concealed carry permit from Florida, I'll be safe not only from York City criminals but also from the likes of Mr. Morgenthau and others who would prefer to see me defenseless.
