Early Friday morning, two men and a woman were shot to death on a Kansas City street.

Just hours later in Jefferson City, the Missouri Senate approved legislation to let residents have concealed weapons on their persons, in purses and briefcases, and in their cars.

The paradox is disturbing: While three people were shot to death, lawmakers were trying to pass concealed-carry legislation that would increase the dangers of gunplay in the state.

The Senate action, and passage of similar legislation by the House, fails to answer the fundamental question: Why does Missouri need concealed-carry legislation?

Its supporters argue that people should be allowed to defend themselves with firearms. But adults in Missouri already have the right to carry firearms and to have them in their cars or homes. We don't need to create more situations where we wonder who is carrying what.

Supporters of concealed-carry also like to talk about how often Americans use firearms in self-defense. Estimates vary from less than a million to three million times a year. No one can say for certain how often concealed weapons were used in those situations and how effective they were.

Supporters also note that 43 states already issue concealed-carry permits. But that doesn't justify bad policy. 

The Missouri Senate and House still must reconcile their measures, but it seems obvious that a concealed-carry bill will soon be on Gov. Bob Holden's desk.

To his credit, Holden has said repeatedly that he would veto the bill. But supporters of the legislation have a realistic chance of overriding the veto. If the recent votes are any indication, concealed-carry supporters would have the necessary votes to override in the Senate and would need just one more vote in the House.

Encouraging people to carry hidden weapons is not a good solution to gun violence. Let's hope that at some point more of Missouri's elected representatives recognize this and reject concealed carry.