Letter to the Editor
Open Carry Laws, in Michigan, and other states, are a 'clear and present danger' to the general public and law enforcement officers..Persons who 'open carry' frighten the public and the law doesn't allow law enforcement officers to properly investigate that person, so neither the public nor the law enforcement officer knows the clear intent of that person - and wether he / she is a danger or not.
To allow 'open carry' advocates to carry a gun, rifle or other weapons into 'pistol free zones' where persons with a proper Concealed Weapons Permit cannot go, goes against all logic and concerns for the public, in this current state of anxiety over crime and terrorism.
God did not give US citizens the 'right to carry a gun' ....carrying a gun is NOT a God given right....it must be regulated for the protection of the public and law enforcement officers.
If you qualify for a CPL then you should abide by the laws and not be allowed to 'open carry'. CPL training must also be increased, to protect the licensee and the general public.
The Michigan legislature should, immediately, make reforming the 'Open Carry Laws' a priority, because of the current and past incidents that have children, teachers and the public fearful.I am one of the few, but growing law enforcement officers that have spoken out about 'open carry laws' and the need for restrictions on the purchase of handguns, military assault style weapons and toy guns.
We must make Michigan residents and all US citizens safer from gun violence and that will take standing up to the National Rifle Association. It will take legislators and congressmen courage - now is the time to add to those 'Profiles in Courage'.
Sgt Detroit Police Retired
ps: Open Carry Laws in Michigan need to be reformed....A person should not be able to Open Carry guns / rifles / assault weapons anywhere that a Concealed Weapon Permit restricts their prescence, stadiums, schools, college campuses, government buildings, bars, restaurants etc... and Toy Guns should all be colored neon colors and NOT resemble real handguns / rifles / assault weapons for public safety and law enforcement safety. Contact your State Legislator and US House and US Senate representatives and tell them to make your streets safe.
Open-carry activist speaks out after school lockdown scare
Two Michigan gun advocates tested their rights to openly carry in the most controversial of places allowed by the state — public schools.
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