LAW TO ALLOW CONCEALED WEAPONS EDGES NEAR REALITY

Legislation to permit Missourians to carry concealed weapons may see the light of day during this session of the General Assembly. Gov. Mel Carnahan, who publicly worked against the measure the last two years, says he is keeping an open mind.

It is encouraging to see the governor may be willing to compromise on this important issue. Facts, not scare tactics, should fuel the outcome.

The fact is 39 states have passed concealed weapons legislation. In each of the states that allow concealed guns, the crime rate is lower.

Missouri is considered the 14th most dangerous state, and St. Louis is the third most dangerous city in the nation. St. Louis had a record 273 murders last year.

Proponents see this legislation as giving law-abiding citizens an edge against gun-wielding criminals.

Carnahan told the Associated Press this week that there might be a middle ground on concealed guns. But he still wants St. Louis and Kansas City to be exempted from any concealed gun legislation. Other legislators have suggested a county-by-county designation. But this will only add confusion to the issue. Any concealed weapons legislation should apply to the entire state. Why should legislators omit the two most dangerous cities in the state? It just doesn't make sense. Crime victims in these cities need protection just as much as those in outstate Missouri. Current Senate legislation would ban several classifications of people from applying to county sheriffs for a concealed weapons permit, such as felons, drug and alcohol abusers and the mentally ill. Carnahan said he would like to see this narrowed even more to gain his support. That seems a reasonable compromise.

Leading the fight against the measure is Senate Majority Leader J.B. "Jet" Banks of St. Louis, who jokingly wore a couple of toy six-shooters on his hips during recent debate and criticized a frontier mentality behind the legislation. If it is such a frontier mentality, then why have 39 states found success with concealed weapons legislation? Why do many police chiefs back the move? Missouri can't seem to reverse rising murder rates in its two largest cities. Something needs to be done.

Sen. Harold Caskey of Butler, the Senate sponsor of the bill, opposes a statewide vote on the issue, saying lawmakers should take a stand. It would be good if the General Assembly approves this legislation since passage would be quicker. This legislation already has floundered through four legislative sessions. But if the issue goes to a vote of the people, so be it. We feel confident a majority of voters would embrace concealed weapons in the state. Weary law-abiding citizens want some break in the war against crime. Criminals already carry concealed weapons each and every day.

The fact the governor may be warming up to concealed weapons is a step in the right direction. The statistics simply don't reflect the blood-bath scenario that many opponents fear. It is time for Missouri to move forward with concealed weapons legislation.