Reader Letter: States Should Have Final Say On Concealed Gun Laws

The following letter is from Brett Sabo of the organization Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense In America, in response to a letter to the editor from John Petrolino. Letters to the editor can be emailed to karen.wall@patch.com. Patch reserves the right to edit or reject any letter.

To the editor:

I’m writing in response to John Petrolino’s letter asking Rep. Chris Smith to support HR38, Concealed Carry Reciprocity. Since he had written so many half-truths, I thought it necessary to create an accurate picture of what reciprocity is and what it would do.

Since every state has its own gun laws, which many conservatives prefer, it is the responsibility of the gun owner to know those laws when they are driving through those states. It’s not too much to ask, especially since Mr. Petrolino spends so much time travelling, that carrying drivers be aware of the state’s laws.

The Supreme Court decision of DC v. Heller does not state it is a constitutional right to carry a gun outside the home for self-defense. States like New Jersey that have strong gun laws aren’t, as Mr. Petrolino stated, “interpreting Heller narrowly.” They are protecting their citizens by ensuring gun owners are trained, and they are protecting their law enforcement and communities by not allowing guns to be carried in public. Carrying for self-defense outside the home is different matter for the courts entirely.

Concealed Carry Reciprocity forces every state, no matter the strength of its gun laws, to honor the permits of every other state, no matter how lax their laws. For example, Mr. Petrolino loves to drive through New Hampshire. That happens to be a state that requires no firearms training to receive a concealed carry permit. Neither does Vermont or New York. Reciprocity would allow people with permits from those and other states with lax requirements to carry here in New Jersey. How does that protect the constitutional right of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?” It doesn’t.

While the Second Amendment must be respected, so must the rights of people who want to feel safe in their communities. HR 38 also would make it easier for people to carry in public places like parks and libraries. Mr. Petrolino needs to realize that gun laws aren’t in place to punish him and many of us are inconvenienced by laws that are put in place for the greater good. It’s not always just about us! More guns mean more gun violence. If that wasn't true, we’d be the safest nation on earth. Ninety-three people are killed with a gun each day and it’s not because we don’t have enough people carrying them.

Mr. Petrolino is right about one thing: Rep. Chris Smith did swear an oath to protect and defend the Constitution and the people of New Jersey. But the Constitution isn’t made up of one amendment and defending the people of New Jersey means keeping its communities and families safe. HR38 endangers the public safety, plain and simple, and Moms Demand Action strongly encourages Rep. Smith to vote "No." As far as Mr. Petrolino is concerned, I urge him to look at the Gun Law Navigator at EverytownResearch.org to learn about different state’s laws. He might learn a thing or two.

Brett Sabo
Chapter Leader, New Jersey
Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense In America

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