GUNS: Who's offending whom?

The take-away from J.D. Gaines’ My Turn column of 1/12/13 is how easily and often he is offended. Couple that with his belief that being armed insures politeness and it is easy to see that one should be very careful about exercising First Amendment rights while he is exercising his Second Amendment rights.

True, recently in Cd’A a crime was halted by an individual carrying a weapon, thus a point for politeness argument. It is also true that not long ago there was a shootout on Sherman endangering both the participants and innocents over what was really nothing more than perceived impoliteness.

To the guy who stopped the crime: good job. To the guy who is offended by everything he doesn’t agree with: I hope that is considered when your concealed carry permit comes up for renewal.

JERRY SHRINER

Coeur d’Alene