EDITOR:

Society accepts rules and regulations in anticipation of a peaceful existence. Violations of these rules/regulations may result in disciplinary measures. Discipline, misunderstood by most, is not designed to punish, but to correct behavior. Unacceptable behavior should be clearly denoted and consequences as clearly understood. Instances in which one’s behavior inadvertently breaches rules/regulations, discipline should be applied “softly”.

Recently passed HB4127/28 prevent anyone, including legally permitted carriers of firearms, from being “…Inside a polling place or within 100 feet of an entrance to a building used as a polling place while the polls are open on election day…(or) Inside an early voting location or within 100 feet of an entrance to a building used as an early voting location during the constitutionally mandated early voting period…(or) Within 100 feet of an absentee ballot drop box during the 40 days prior to an election… Violations would be punishable by up to 90 days’ imprisonment or a fine of up to $100, or both.” Passed by Democrats only. I encourage you to verify this.

Simply walking past, or being parked close enough to one of these venues while legally carrying a firearm subjects you to arrest and prosecution. Law enforcement may be notified that you carry a firearm and someone may demand you be stopped and questioned. Voter suppression anyone? Many years ago I was confronted as a “gun carrier” in public by someone unhappy with a zoning decision I made as chairman of the zoning board of appeals. So yeah… that does happen, and my privacy and possibly safety had been violated. Chances for this now?

The bill gave no rationale for this action. What behavior is now require? Who benefits from this? Are there past instances of known danger from “permitted” firearms carriers posing a danger? The only instance I can recall is intimidation from club-wielding Black Panthers outside voting places in some southern state (no action by any law enforcement by the way…surprised?).

This is simply another successful attempt by liberals to prevent honest law-abiding citizens from practicing self-protection by placing them in jeopardy of prosecution. Please tell me how it increases public (and private) safety by selectively removing the means for protection? It simply creates another “gun free zone” for political zealots to create mayhem.

This is obviously another instance of “small pressures applied relentlessly” in an attempt to disarm lawful citizens without providing any subsequent form of safety in those venues. Typical of liberals and an example of the “tyranny of the minority” from which all suffer. In this instance, it is also true of the “tyranny of an elected majority”, a continuation of our repression since the current legislators in the governor’s office, the state house and senate were seated. We are now left to argue in the courts (as individuals) or via our vote… now made more dangerous by this legislation to regain our hope for a peaceful society.

Democrats, you own this.

Michael A. Glass

Nahma