I am a gun owner; specifically I own shotguns and rifles. Since I no longer hunt, the guns remain unused but clean.
However, I oppose the open carrying of concealed or unconcealed weapons; I oppose the private ownership of assault-style weapons; and I oppose the modification of weapons to increase their rate of fire or capacity.
I am very concerned about the eagerness of Gov. Lee and other state legislators to pass laws to make it easier to carry weapons in public. I believe that as citizens we have the right to feel safe in public spaces. Having people in a crowd, in a restaurant, or in a store who are carrying weapons makes me feel anything but safe. Passing laws to encourage this behavior is irresponsible.
The Second Amendment's reference to a "well-regulated militia" hardly means lots of self-armed and self-directed individuals moving about in public spaces ready to unholster and fire at will upon perceived threats.
Where is the common sense in this? Where is the concern for the safety of our citizens? This "Constitutional Carry" legislation should be buried. Call Gov. Lee at 615-741-2001.
Jim Webster, Signal Mountain
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President Trump and coronavirus 'facts'
Little known facts about Trump and the coronavirus (if you don't believe them, you're a socialist):
Trump knows more about the virus than the CDC; Obama caused the virus; building the wall with Mexico will stop the virus; my acquittal means God put me in charge of saving America from the virus; the tariffs caused health problems in China, causing the virus to spread; Pelosi caused the virus.
Enrolling in Trump University will teach you how to protect yourself; Putin told Trump the virus started in the Ukraine, making it a security risk; John Bolton knew all about it but couldn't say so; you have to buy his book; Democrats will get the virus because they have a weakened immune system from impeaching Trump; the Deep State is using MS-13 to spread the virus; only the fresh air at Mar-a-Lago can cure the virus; the Mueller report lied about the virus; the NRA and gun owners are protecting us from the virus.
David Bean, Chatsworth, Georgia
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U.S. soon to be called Russia West
Years ago Tennesseans were humiliated by the Scopes Monkey Trial, a fight over modern science versus conservative theology. Recently, Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander heaped fresh humiliation on us with his cowardly, obedient behavior, voting to give Trump a free pass to do whatever he wants.
What Trump has done so far is undercut Western alliances and ignored the threat of climate change against the advice of our military and will of our citizens. He's also declared that Russia does not pose a computer-based threat to our elections (or military computers, or infrastructure, etc.), and started a trade war with China (which Americans are paying for).
Alexander's pass is helping Trump turn the once proud USA into a new state: The Republic of Trump (ROT), which is establishing itself as a true banana republic, complete with a dictator wannabe. My prediction is we will soon be known as Russia West. If you've ever heard about a deal with the devil, this is it.
E.E. Berkun