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Posted on June 28 at 7:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

“We feel, at the very least, local law enforcement should have the discretion in deciding who gets a concealed weapons permit,” said Brian Malte, director of state legislation for the Brady Campaign. “Laws like Tennessee’s just say that, if you pass a background check and any other requirements, you must be allowed to receive a permit.”

So you want to allow a police department power to be able to deny concealed/open carry permits on whims? Perhaps those that come in wearing a suit can get a license, but those that apply because they have been robbed ten times cannot?

The Brady campaign, when it started, was a good idea. They have done some really good work and quite a bit of it I agree with... but it seems lately that they are more interested in disarming the victims.

I'm not a victim. I have rights, and these folks are fine when they do not walk on mine, but when they cross that line, they endanger me and my family.

If you want your readers to trust you, then write articles that are balanced and thought out. Just as it is illegal to yell fire in a crowded movie theater, your paper is coming close to doing that by yelling fire to the general public with facts from a biased and unreliable source.

The first amendment is a wonderful thing, and I support that as well, in fact, the supreme court said, “The First Amendment contains the freedom-of-speech guarantee that the people ratified, which included exceptions for obscenity, libel, and disclosure of state secrets, but not for the expression of extremely unpopular and wrong-headed views. The Second Amendment is no different.” And they also said, ““The liberty of the press was to be unrestrained, but he who used it was to be responsible in cases of its abuse; like the right to keep fire arms, which does not protect him who uses them for annoyance or destruction.” Commonwealth v. Blanding, 20 Mass. 304, 313–314. The reason that I say this is that I am not out to restrain your rights, but asking you to exercise them with restraint, common sense, and responsibility. I am asking you also to respect my rights as I exercise them with restraint, common sense, and responsibility.

Can I ask one more thing?

I am not a felon, drug dealer, or criminal. Please, when you write these articles, take into consideration that I am not the monster the Brady campaign seems to want to make me into. I was in Killeen the day that George Hennard drove his truck into Luby’s - and if someone there had carried a weapon illegally to lunch - 43 people would not have been killed and/or wounded that day. When I carry my weapon to lunch, Killeen may not enter into my mind. But if someone starts shooting, and I am there, Killeen may not happen again. That is a huge responsibility and one that every gun owner faces on a daily basis. Monster? Not on your life… literally.

On Chattanooga: Packing licensed heat

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Posted on May 6 at 10:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"These are irrational choices and comments. While no environment can be perfectly safe, the Appalachian Trail is as safe as it gets."

Absolutely insane comment!
Appalachia is a land where wild animals are walking with people. The Kentucky area has the largest black bear population in the country. Wildcats, wolves, and even animals with rabies can attack you at any moment. People who prey on hikers also love areas that are so far away from civilization that a scream is a drop in the bucket of sound. No help, no hope. What about robbery? Ever had your food stolen while you are three days out on a trail? What about dropping your pack, having an animal take it, or something that I cannot think of at the moment that leaves you with no food? What about getting lost and having to hunt to live?

Saying that a trail is safe is the ultimate in irresponsible posting. I've lived in those mountains most of my life, and know from personal experience that going into the mountins without some sort of a weapon is foolhardy and deadly.

Kentucky and Tennessee allow open carry except in state parks. I carry openly even in state parks except in those areas that are cultivated for tourists. When in the wild, if you are not carrying in a way that will allow you access in a moments notice, then you may end up as a statistic.

Oh, in areas and parks that do not allow handguns or rifles, a longbow can be the difference between living, and being food for something.

On Chattanooga: Hikers packing concealed heat