To the Editor:

As a long-time N.R.A. member, I wish to respond to Publisher Scott McLeod about his recent gun control column. I havenโ€™t read Senate Bill 708 so will not comment on it.ย 

However, his โ€œby the numbersโ€ source โ€”ย  The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence โ€” has very inflated numbers about guns, as most anti-gun groups do. They simply are not true. If true gun facts are sought, please go to the FBI website or go to www.nraila.org. Most anti-gun groups grossly alter the facts.

Also, most law enforcement agencies support concealed carry by responsible citizens. A bad guy with a gun can only be stopped by a good guy with a gun. Our fine cops can never be everywhere all the time. Seconds count.

How can anyone believe criminals will obey gun control laws? They donโ€™t obey any laws. Criminals are afraid of people with guns and respect them. Itโ€™s as simple as that.

Cliff Williams

Swain County