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Concealed carry debate a duty for all

I am somewhat perplexed by Mr. McCauley’s column regarding concealed carry. While I am certainly in favor of preventing crime via social reform, I fail to see how it makes the gun control debate unnecessary. It would be like saying that we should not have discussions about the tactics which police departments use, or reform in the justice system.

Yes, stopping violence at its roots may very well be the best solution, but it’s easier said than done. As you, yourself state, concealed carry may very well be part of your “comprehensive solution.” Citizens on both sides of the debate agree that the taking of a life is not the most desirable solution to the problem, but given the current state of affairs, it certainly should be the subject of debate. Regardless of your stance, it is your duty as a citizen to participate in this debate.

When I hear someone say that debate over an issue should stop and its discussion should not be allowed, I can almost hear the clinking of jackboots accompanying that utterance. It scares me, and it should scare you as well.

As for Mr. Plyler’s comic, it’s obvious that he is ignorant of North Carolina concealed carry laws. As those knowledgeable in this subject can attest, one should only use deadly force if he is prepared to go to jail. I say this because concealed carry is not a “get out of jail free card.” By law, if you kill someone in self-defense, you are charged with murder, no matter how justified you are. Concealed carry merely allows you to argue that the killing was justified in a court of law.

You may still end up in jail, which is why the situation must be so grave that you would be willing to live and possibly be charged with a felony, rather than let you or others around you be killed. It is not an excuse to play citizen cop, or to be a vigilante. Your ignorance on this matter casts into doubt your knowledge of the entire debate.

Craig Hymelsenior, electrical engineering