Jonathon Burns is getting his way.

Burns, a senior at Christian Brothers College, wanted to organize a regional debate on concealed-carry gun laws. Between classes, Burns spent his time on the phone, making calls locally and nationally to put the event together. His effort was chronicled in Greg Freeman's column on March 26.

Some didn't take Burns seriously. Others wouldn't help for other reasons. But Burns persisted. After CBC declined to host the event, Burns got St. Louis University to provide the venue.

But where would he get the money to bring in top-drawer speakers?

KMOX radio came to the rescue. Burns lined up anchor Charles Jaco to moderate the event, and Jaco put Burns in touch with radio executives, who agreed to pay the costs. The debate is being sponsored by KMOX and Browning-Winchester.

So on Tuesday, the debate on concealed-carry gun laws will be held from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the St. Louis Room of Busch Memorial Center at St. Louis University. The speakers will be John Shanks, regional director of the Million Mom March, which now has a formal alliance with the Brady Center in Washington; and John Lott of the American Enterprise Institute and author of a book called, "More Guns, Less Crime."

The event is free, but tickets are required and can be obtained by calling 314-444-3229.

Burns is pleased that he has been able to put the debate together.

"It's been worthwhile," he said. "I think it's going to be a good program."


Published in the Metro section of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Sunday, May 12, 2002.
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