Letter-writer responds to Sidney Daily News' act of publishing CHL-holders

June 23, 2004
Sidney Daily News

Licensee is law-abiding citizen

Please call me your friend, your associate or your family member. I may be your delivery person, your meter reader or your minister. Call me your brother or sister, your nurse, care giver or a citizen who assist you in an emergency.

I have probably owned a gun my whole adult life and lived next to you for 20 years. I have never assaulted or confronted you in anger before, why would I now? I have a license to carry the weapon I have had in my home for years. I only have it to protect the lives of myself and my family from hurtful people, not to hurt you.

Through the license process I had to pass the scrutiny of local, state and Federal law enforcement. The state did not issue me a license to become a vigilante, a hot shot or a cowboy. I'm old, gray, have children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

I believe in my God, my country and in family values. So pour your coffee, read the daily news and relax. Now honest law-abiding people have weapons too. The authorities have a complete record of my ownership. I sure wish the bad people would register theirs. They are the ones to be afraid of.

Clara Owens