Concealed-carry permit holders can protect others at businesses

By Frank Musaraca, Henderson

Saturday, Aug. 6, 2016 | 2 a.m.

I applaud the writer who exercised his First Amendment rights to his opinion in the letter “Do your part to fight NRA, GOP” (Las Vegas Sun, July 29).

As a retired law enforcement officer, I am required to pass stringent background checks and qualify once a year, under the supervision of a range officer, with my Glock 9mm for my concealed-carry permit. Other people who apply must have good reason and complete a classroom gun-safety course, background checks and hands-on safety and proficiency training.

Considering these requirements for concealed-carry permits and my experience of 32 years, I feel there is no reason, other than the huge profits of gun dealers, for any civilian to own a military automatic or more dangerous semi-automatic rifle. These weapons did not exist when the Second Amendment was drawn up. I agree that signs need to be posted at certain businesses, but they should read, “No weapons allowed except persons with concealed-weapons permits” for the following reasons:

Suppose the letter writer and his family and I, with my family, were in a church or theater and a radical person with a military assault weapon began shooting. I could not save anyone if I had to run to my car to get my weapon. Also, if there were several concealed-weapon permit holders allowed at this or any other crowded function, many precious lives could be saved.