THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, December 10, 1994 TAG: 9412090026
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 32 lines
Regarding Art Moore, the Suffolk man who nabbed the prison escapee from North Carolina (news, Dec. 2):
Mr. Moore's actions reflected more than ``a concerned citizen.'' Apprehending this dangerous escapee reflected the essence of the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Although there was a massive manhunt in progress for the escapee, it was an ordinary armed citizen who captured him.
As the Supreme Court has stated, there is no constitutional duty of state officials (e.g., police officers) to protect members of the public at large from crime. The only recourse of the public at large is to protect themselves, as Art Moore did, by being armed.
Art Moore acted as the founding fathers had anticipated - as a militiaman.
If it were up to some politicians in Washington, Mr. Moore would have had to face this dangerous escapee alone and unarmed. It is more likely that if Mr. Moore had not had his shotgun, he would have kept on driving, leaving the felon to roam in our community.
I am grateful to Art Moore for his courageous actions.
A. C. DONAHUE
Virginia Beach, Dec. 2, 1994 by CNB