THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, January 4, 1996 TAG: 9601030198
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 62 lines
In response to the Dec. 17 article, ``Have gun, will travel:''
The comments made by the respective law enforcement personnel reflect the attitude of the Suffolk police corporal who fingerprinted me for my concealed weapons permit. He asked me if I wanted a gun ``so I could kill everybody!'' When I replied, ``No,'' he stated, ``So you only want to shoot half the people!'' I did not answer but somehow the old saying, ``It is better to be thought of as a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt'' applied to this person. It seems the police and prosecutors would prefer to have only themselves and criminals carry weapons, hidden or otherwise. They are professionals and handling guns is part of their job skills. Expertise and opportunity prevent mistakes on their part.
Why can't these officials just acknowledge this right and be thankful that honest citizens are complying with the requirements associated with this privilege? Give us lay public credit for having the intelligence, common sense and discretion to know not only how to handle a weapon but maybe when to use it. After all, the article states that neither Suffolk nor Isle of Wight County has had an increase in shootings since the law went into effect, and the Smithfield businessman did not shoot his would-be attackers, in spite of a tense situation. Maybe regular people realize the awesome responsibility involved with the potential to wound or kill another human being.
Clark Taber
Arbor Road
Suffolk Information lacking on permit procedures
Your recent feature on concealed weapons permits was most timely and interesting.
I am a recent recipient of a permit, having made application in early July. My permit was issued approximately 45 days later. In reporting to the clerk's office to obtain it, I was somewhat surprised and disappointed that no written or verbal instructions were issued by the city outlining the proper legal use or restricted areas within the state where concealed weapons are not allowed.
On Nov. 20, 1995, I wrote to Clerk Murden seeking this information, but to date I have not been favored with a reply and respectfully suggest, as a community service, that you check with a knowledgeable government agency that can provide this information for your publication.
Local governments, as outlined in your article, view these permits with disfavor, which was apparent to me at time of application and issuance in the City of Suffolk. City officials fear greater violence as a result of this new law, but I have neither heard nor read of any incidents occurring in Hampton Roads by bearers of concealed permits, which have greatly increased since the law changed.
I hope you will be able to provide this information as to any restrictions which may apply to these permits. Thank you.
William E. Cattenhead Jr.
Bennetts Creek Lane
Suffolk by CNB