The United States Constitution has long defended the right of citizens to keep and bear arms. However, anyone researching gun laws in the United States can easily see this is not a clear-cut issue with each state having its own version of “gun control.”
Since a bill permitting concealed-carry was proposed in Illinois earlier this year, and Peoria Mayor
Jim Ardis suggested Peoria as a test-market for the law, the Internet has been ablaze with heated, well-versed arguments from both sides.
Some believe that more guns in the wrong hands leads to an increased risk of violence. Others argue the opposite — more guns in reasonable hands can be a deterrent of violence.
“We need fewer guns, not more. It’s the increased circulation of guns I have a dispassion for,” said Peoria County State’s Attorney Kevin Lyons.
This is the simple argument that more guns equals more gun crime — makes sense.
But, a growing fear of crime by responsible citizens is reasonable too.
Those who favor concealed carry can argue convincingly that it is growing increasingly likely you will be robbed, or worse, at an ATM, a stoplight or even the golf course.
There is no shortage of violent crime in Peoria. Would more people carrying guns address the issue of violent crime? Or, would it just make people think it does?
Those are valid questions. But, those are questions that cannot be answered until Illinois residents have an opportunity to carry concealed weapons.
In a society where it is always better to be safe than sorry, one would think the concealed carry debate would not be so debatable.
Even if the chances of having a gun pointed between ones eyes are less than a thousandth of a percent, there is always going to be a fear that it could happen. And, if it could happen, everyone should have the right to protect themselves.
Morton police chief Nick Graff recalled an incident that happened in March in Maryville, a town of about 8,000 people. A gunman, who reportedly developed a mental illness after contracting Lyme disease, calmly walked down a church aisle during Sunday services.
The alleged gunman, 27-year-old Terry Joe Sedlacek, opened fire on the pastor who later died of the gunshot wounds. The pastor’s only defense was the Bible from which he read during that morning’s service. He held it up to shield himself from the barrage of bullets.
In Graff’s mind, when learning of such a tragic scenario, it is proof that terrible incidents can happen anywhere, at any moment.
Graff sympathizes with those who fear a similar situation, even in a small town.
East Peoria Police Chief Ed Papis favors concealed carry with strict regulations.
“In this day and age where the bad guys have the guns and they carry them all over, which can be very well documented, I think the police cannot be everywhere. To protect yourself, your family, I believe that this would be a prudent step,” Papis said.
An Illinois Sheriff’s Association survey shows 90 percent of their membership support concealed carry.
Currently, 48 states have a concealed carry law of some sort permitting law-abiding citizens to carry concealed firearms. Illinois and Wisconsin are the only holdouts.
A poll on the East Peoria Times-Courier’s Web site revealed that 215 people favor concealed carry, while one person voted against it.
There is debate as to whether concealed carry has a positive impact on crime. But, concealed carry, at least, puts citizens on a somewhat more level playing field with the criminals who are packing guns.
It is reasonable to believe people carrying concealed weapons legally are going to be more hesitant to draw a weapon and be much more circumspect in using it, than a criminal.
For those citizens willing to take on the responsibility of carrying a gun legally, that right should exist.
We need strong measures to govern this issue, such as those proposed by the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association. That association suggests permits should be issued by a state agency to ensure consistency in evaluation and screening. They say training should be mandatory. They want applications processed by the local sheriff’s office. And, they suggest those with a concealed carry permit have identification so an officer knows they may be armed.
The key to this argument is responsibility.
Those who follow the legal route to carry a concealed weapon are certainly more responsible than the criminal element walking our streets packing guns and using them with some regularity.
Concealed carry legislation should be supported in Illinois — as long as it is handled properly.
East Peoria, Ill. —
