Las Vegas Sun

April 26, 2024

LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

Gun licensing often too strict

The Nov. 12 editorial “Return to the days of the Wild West would not suit Nevada, or any state” misses an important point. Unlike Nevada, states such as New York, California and Hawaii have embarked on a stealth strategy of eliminating guns, not regulating lawful carry.

Courts have held that states must either allow open-carry or permitted concealed carry. Restrictive states claim they issue permits but only do so for politicians, celebrities and the ultra-wealthy. New York’s nefarious intent was laid bare during recent arguments before the Supreme Court: They don’t want law-abiding citizens to be armed. As Chief Justice John Roberts pointed out, fear of being robbed is a valid reason for a permit in rural parts of the state, but not in crime-infested areas. He asked, “How many muggings take place in the forest?”

The right to bear arms is denied if states like New York can (as they currently do) arbitrarily deny nearly all citizens the licenses.