Letter to Tennessee senators and representatives

[benburke]

Dear Honorable Senators and Representatives,

So often, people may think that proposed legislation concerning firearms will only benefit handgun permit holders, however, this is far from being true! I would like to emphasize the wording of our state constitution. Article 1, Section 26 of Tennessee's Constitution states, "That the citizens of this state have a right to keep and to bear arms for their common defense; but the Legislature shall have power, by law, to regulate the wearing of arms with a view to prevent crime." The key phrases here are "the Legislature shall have power" and "with a view to prevent crime." Allowing citizens the right to carry firearms for self-protection has never led to the negative consequences claimed by critics. In fact, these laws have lowered violent crime rates and increased the general level of knowledge concerning the rights, responsibilities and laws of firearm ownership. Putting unarmed citizens at the mercy of armed and violent criminals will never be a good idea.

I encourage each of you to please remember that the purpose of HB3125 and SB3012 is to prevent crime. And when you vote FOR HB3125 and SB3012, you will be protecting all citizens of Tennessee.

Sincerely,

Ben Burke