Re: Letter from Miles Verreau, Jan. 25, in response to my letter of Jan. 22.
First of all, I would ask that you reread my letter carefully as at no time did I suggest allowing everyone to carry guns.
You asked from where I get my ideas, suggesting that I’m a brain-washed victim of the American National Rifle Association.
I have been competing in the shooting sports in Canada all my adult life. After obtaining my doctorate degree from the University of Alberta, I served a tour of duty as an officer in the Canadian Forces where at one time I was in charge of the base military pistol club.
For several years, I was a member of the Alberta Handgun Association provincial team and represented Alberta numerous times at the Canadian championships. I have a wall full of medals won at the provincial and national level and two members of our eight-man provincial team shot in the Olympics.
I know all about handguns and handgun shooters at the elite level and know that safety with firearms is ingrained in their souls. It is competitors at these higher levels as well as certain ex-military who I suggest be eligible for concealed carry permits.
In reference to your comments about the U.S.-U.S.S.R. Cold War and nuclear weapons, my father, who was a highly decorated air force officer, once told me that the way to prevent war in today’s world was to always be prepared to defend your country. Nuclear deterrence based on a balance of weapons was what prevented global destruction during the Cold War and the same principle applies to life on the streets.
Criminals will not victimize citizens if there is even a remote possibility of them being armed and concealed carry by civilians prevents them from making that determination. Concealed carry is allowed in all but a few states in the U.S. and has shown to dramatically reduce crime rates. To my knowledge, no licensed citizen has ever acted in an irresponsible manner.
You wonder who would police this group. The answer is that they have already been policed. In Canada, handgun shooters must be subjected to an extensive police background investigation with verification from references. They are then eligible for a special licence that certifies them to be both sane and responsible.
Your next concern is costs to the taxpayer. The answer is zero. They have already been trained and equipped at their own expense and would serve as volunteers just going about their every day lives.
Compare this with the seven figure estimate to taxpayers to increase the manpower in the Red Deer RCMP due to rising crime rates. There is a resource of very qualified people available at no cost and their services should be utilized.
Thank-you for your questions and concerns and for allowing me to expand on my original proposal.
Terrence Rawlyck
Lacombe