Editor, Gazette-Journal:

The government from all quarters is attempting to change the way citizens have enjoyed the private and free rights of the Second Amendment. Tragedies have a way of happening that provoke the alarmist or those who perceive someone is out to do them harm by demanding existing law be changed.

Current laws at all levels of government have been written to evaluate who can buy, sell, trade or destroy weapons of any size, make, description or capability of firing. The state, local and federal governments have written and re-written volumes of laws that provide the ins and outs for the citizen, including the felon. Those who do not wish to abide by the law will find their ways to create mayhem on the public, even if they are perfectly sane.

The ability to carry concealed is a plus to the community, since those who have malice in mind will stop and consider the possible consequences. Of course, those who carry must also follow the rules and research the laws to maintain their carry privilege. Many laws have changed where concealed carry is now legal on many roads, state, local and federal, but some buildings will be restricted.

Many businesses, government buildings and private property are now identified by signage providing the citizen the knowledge the property is secure from within by manned or passive systems. The key is the citizen being vigilant to their surroundings, as they travel from place to place.

Individual security is a right and a privilege guaranteed by law, the Constitution and the behavior of the carrier. To do otherwise will only provoke those who create law to deny or restrict the innocent.

Howard Mowry

Gloucester Point, Va.