Dear Editor,
If Darren Seiber’s recent Viewpoint discussion of Texas gun laws was written as satire or farce, it was mildly entertaining. However, if it was to be taken at face value, I would like to remind Seiber of one of the basic rules of journalism. Never use “facts” that you haven’t verified. Ask Dan Rather about this.
Seiber states that “all statistics are taken from IANSA’s Web site” when, in fact, those “statistics” have no basis in reality and are easily disproved. (IANSA is an organization whose agenda is anti-gun. Small wonder that their “statistics” are also anti-gun.)
If Seiber wants a non-biased statistical examination of concealed carry laws, might I suggest taking at look at the statistical research on the effect of “shall-issue” laws done by Dr. John Lott.
The results, which have been reviewed and verified, show that the only type of legislation that has been proven to be effective in lowering crime rates is the passage of right-to-carry laws.
Seiber, it is interesting that you as a journalist use your First Amendment right of free speech to suggest that my right to keep and bear arms is outdated and should be done away with, stating that the “Second Amendment has blinded us for too long.”
Tell me Seiber, exactly how does one go about choosing which rights to give up?
I’m sure that if someone were to suggest that the Fourth Amendment was outdated, using similar logic to yours that we no longer need it because the Redcoats are no longer here, you would be among the first to raise a cry against civil liberties infringement.
If Seiber would like to debate the Second Amendment, as well as the other nine Amendments in the Bill of Rights, I am available at any time.
-Leonard Clemens

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