Opinion: Concerns Over Dedham Gun Store Opening Soon

The following was submitted to Patch by Tim Welsh as a letter to the editor about the possible opening of J and J Arms. If you would like to submit a letter to the editor, email samantha.mercado@patch.com. Patch previously covered the controversial store's presence in Dedham.

Dedham in the Crosshairs

After months of angst, Dedham residents’ worst fears are coming to roost. J and J Arms, the gun operator that was recently granted a license to operate in a residential neighborhood, and next to the Condon Park playground, by Dedham Town Officials looks to be preparing to open.

To add insult to the situation, J and J Arms recently unveiled their store logo...a blood-red rifle scope crosshair. Now, in addition to living and playing next to a gun store, residents of East Dedham are confronted with the visual reminder of the violent purpose of this store. Let’s be clear, a gun scope is not used by anyone who is interested in self-defense; scopes are a proactive tool to perpetuate violence on someone or something.

So here we are. We now live in a town that not only allows gun stores to operate in our residential neighborhoods, but also a town that promotes the perpetuation of violent visuals for our children and residents. And who do we have to thank for this transformation...the members of our Board of Selectmen.

The Board of Selectmen had every opportunity to stand up for the residents of East Dedham. While they will say publicly that their hands were tied legally, it is important to note that they placed their hands willingly in that knot. Rather than asking the Town’s counsel to help them find a legal justification to deny J and J Arm’s petition, our Board of Selectmen decided that they would, both individually and collectively, hide behind their lawyer. Rather than fight for the residents of Dedham, they choose to provide public empathy, but private faintheartedness.

And now I have a red bullseye in my neighborhood.

Let’s hope that the political will of the residents of East Dedham, and their supporters throughout town, is greater this April, and the Aprils that follow, than was demonstrated by the current members of the Board of Selectmen.

Tim Welsh, Morse Avenue

Previous Articles:

Dedham Gun Store Opening Near Playground

Dedham Residents Protest Gun Shop Near Playground

Dedham Residents Disagree Over Where To Allow Gun Stores

Dedham Gun Store Near Playground Allowed To Open