George Brooks: Risks in carrying guns

In his Sept. 6 column “Legal guns fuel criminal gunfire,” Ned Barnett called attention to a startling fact that most guns used in crimes were stolen from homes and cars. He also noted that gun advocates urge people with carry permits to take their guns in bars, restaurants, schools, playgrounds and parks in response to recent mass murders.

Has anyone considered the consequences of people with carry permits using a gun?

For one, the bad guy already has his drawn. If he suspects we are “carrying,” he’ll shoot us first. Then, too, what if we start shooting? Few people with permits, few police officers for that matter, have ever used a gun in a crisis situation, so accuracy is questionable. If we hit an innocent person, worse yet, kill one, we will be looking at heavy legal expense, to stay out of jail and to defend ourselves against lawsuits. Are the risks worth it?

This story was originally published October 3, 2015 at 2:00 PM with the headline "George Brooks: Risks in carrying guns."