In Defense of Permits for Concealed Guns

* Your headline “Permits for Concealed Weapons Hit 8-Year High” is misleading. It implies that many people are getting the carry-concealed-weapons permits. Indeed, in a county of 700,000 people, only 245 permits is minuscule.

The article left out important facts. For instance, how many requests are turned down, and how many would apply if it were possible to get a permit? Importantly, how many people are carrying loaded weapons anyway, to protect themselves and their families?

I will also note that in the names mentioned of folks who have permits, I did not see a single female name, nor are any of the people known to me to be Hispanic or black. What is the breakdown of permits and are some jurisdictions discriminating in the release of such permits?

What needs to be done is to change the law to the Florida rule. In Florida, anyone without a criminal record or history of mental illness can get a permit. Since 1987, 246,000 permits have been given, and crime has dropped immensely.

I urge the Board of Supervisors and the individual city councils to give honest citizens a break and put fear in the hearts and minds of criminals. More concealed-weapon permits will lower the crime rate, save lives and save tax dollars.

STEPHEN R. FRANK

Simi Valley