Packing guns in stores doesn't make us safer

When I was growing up, my family lived in rattlesnake country, I wasn’t afraid of snakes, but I can tell you seeing a snake of any kind would give you a start no matter what kind of snake it was. I guess the same goes for finding yourself in a store and seeing a man packing a gun; it gives you pause, is this friend or foe?

I’m not a anti-gunner. I think guns have a place and I want to be able to own my guns, but I’m also 53 years old and, until recently, I’ve never walked into a local business and encountered anyone with a gun showing on his hip. I don’t feel safer having this man in the store; on the contrary, I feel absolute fear. I have to wonder is this man someone who will rob the store? Does the person behind the cash register feel safer? Do the customers feel safer?

Someone said to me to relax, you’re in Idaho. But does that mean this guy is safe and sane? I liked it better when I was in the store without the gun-toting guy. I liked it better when I was on even ground with the person standing next to me. I don’t want to take his rights away, but I wish he would leave his gun at home when he goes to town. I also don’t feel like this man is protecting my rights to own guns, we all have to use common sense.

Leave the gun at home. Sandpoint’s a nice place to live.

SANDY WEISZ STAFF

Sandpoint