CONCEALED WEAPONS DEBATE IS LOSER FROM THE BEGINNING

In a time of grave economic crisis within the school systems of this state and in a time when social issues threaten to reopen old wounds, it is ironic that the hottest topic of discussion in Jefferson City centers on a concealed weapons amendment to a new crime bill. That makes this amendment doubly dangerous. Not only is this measure unwise, it also takes valuable time away from discussion of the real issues that face this state and countless others.

Those who favor the concealed weapons amendment believe that putting guns in the hands of righteous citizens will somehow level the playing field and bring a more equal balance of justice. That, by arming good guys, the public as a whole will be better served by this eyeball-to-eyeball approach.

Yet those who should know, the law enforcement community, is solidly against the concealed weapons folly.

There is a popular business axiom making the rounds these days that "More is not Better", "Better is Better". And somehow, that seems to apply here. Instead of making more handguns available, why not make their possession and control even greater. Maybe less is better in this case.

Supporters of the amendment are more than happy to attach any restriction or concession needed to make this amendment law. But they fall short of the point. The process that allows more guns is flawed.

The weapons amendment is an overreaction to the growing concern for crime control in this country. Unlike any other country in the world, America has a fascination with handguns. We are light years ahead of anyone else in the raw numbers of guns available. And it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what comes next. We're the world leader in the number of crimes, deaths, etc., the result of handguns.

Making more weapons available is not the answer. It would be nice if the answer were that simple, but unfortunately, it is not.

National reports out last week indicate that deaths from weapons outnumbered highway accident deaths in two states. That growing trend toward violence is argument enough against more guns on the streets. An armed mass under the best of conditions is dangerous. Under the worst of conditions, they are lethal. Once you get past the popular rhetoric and think of the implications, this amendment becomes highly suspect.

There will be dozens of attempts to water-down and otherwise alter this measure and thereby render it virtually useless. But the time lost on debating this amendment will never be replaced. And that means, we lose again.

Dennis Ziegenhorn of Sikeston represents District 157 in the Missouri House.