Concealed carry

The reasoning behind concealed carry seems to be that if the criminal doesn't know who's packing, he will leave everyone alone.

My thought is that this would also improve people's manners. If he thinks I might be carrying, perhaps the person behind me might stop tailgating. As he finally passes me, I just might retaliate.

When I can't find my billfold in the bottom of my purse, maybe the clerk will say, "That's all right, ma'am, take your time. Nice pistol you just pulled out there.'

People will clean up their language and be careful not to offend the person with whom they are speaking.

On the other hand, if I'm carrying and somebody grabs my purse anyway, I've lost a purse and an expensive weapon.

If I carry a weapon in a hostler and my purse is grabbed and I shoot the thief as he runs, I get my purse back but probably get charged with manslaughter since he was running.

Worst of all, what happens if a Boy Scout tries to help me across the street and I assume he's a member of a paramilitary gang bent on taking me hostage and I waste him?

And shall we pause for a moment and visualize 20 folks in line at the convenience store turning to blaze away at a robber? Think "friendly fire."

Joanne Soraya
Kansas City