To the editor:
The question of whether or not to allow law abiding citizens to carry guns in our parks has given me the opportunity to think about a core need we all share — personal safety.
I’ve asked myself, “Do I feel safe in Murfreesboro’s parks and greenways?” The answer is yes. The reason for that answer is because I am always aware of my surroundings, I’ve had self-defense training and we have a very efficient police force. The incidence of crime in a city of our size is low and when it does occur, the suspects are usually caught quickly.
I’ve also asked myself if I would feel safer knowing that there may be others walking on the greenway, at a soccer game or at the fourth of July celebration who are carrying guns. My assumption is that those individuals would be carrying guns for their own personal safety and carry them because they are prepared to use them either as a threat or by actually shooting them. After considerable thought, I have concluded that the answer is no. The reason for that answer is because of the unknown factor of how these individuals are trained and what their decision making abilities are on why, when and how they would use their gun.
I am also concerned if there is an incident when a police officer observes someone pulling a gun or holding one on another person in a park. That police officer would have no way of knowing who was the criminal or who was the law-abiding person. Any hesitation for the wrong reason could have serious consequences.
Though I respect those who believe their personal safety would be enhanced by allowing them to carry guns in parks, my request to the City Council is to say no. I am confident in the ability of our police to defend my safety in Murfreesboro’s parks.
Susan Allen
Nelson Lane |
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