Dear editor,
In respectful response to Mr. Willis Martin's letter published Saturday, June 5th: Thankfully, the idiots in the Tennessee Legislature were in the minority when pro-gun legislation was passed once again over Governor Bredesen's veto.
And yes, God did give us the "inalienable right" to protect ourselves. Jesus said, "But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one." (Luke 22:36) If guns were invented, Jesus may have said gun instead of sword. Inalienable rights are rights you cannot surrender or transfer; without the consent of the one possessing such rights. (Morrison v. State, Mo. App., 252 S.W.2d 97, 101.)
When are these gun-phobia, ill-informed people going to learn? Criminals and psychopaths don't obey the laws! Tell Suzanna Hupp, who lost both of her parents at Luby's cafeteria, October 16, 1991 to a lunatic with a gun. She had left her gun in her car to comply with Texas state law at the time, which forbade carrying a concealed weapon. Twenty-three innocent people were killed that day at Luby's. College campuses are usually gun-free zones. How did the Virginia Tech massacre happen? Because no law abiding citizen, with a gun permit, could stop Cho Seung-hui before he killed 32 people.
Guns and alcohol don't mix. What a lame excuse to keep me from protecting myself and my family. I don't drink, but I do carry a gun. And because I do, other Tennesseans should feel safer.
Sincerely,
Ben Burke