Just a response to David Larson’s opinion column the other day. I wanted to know where he was getting his information. If you look at statistics, which he had so many, violent crime in the U.S. has gone down more and more every year despite a surplus of guns being sold and concealed weapon permits being issued. The violent crime rate has gone down every year since 1991; somehow that information was not in the column.

Also he likes to point out how Canada is so great with its gun laws. He says that guns are the problem; however, with a little research he would find out that per capita Canada has more guns than the U.S. and by his own admission shouldn’t that mean more violence? Just to put it in perspective, barbecue grills in the U.S. kill more people every year than guns do, or people driving drunk, people on cell phones, lead paint in tenants’ apartments.

However, we don’t spend the time fighting these battles as we do debating gun control!

Seems to me we have our priorities in the wrong place. Dr. Larson, I no doubt respect your position on guns, but let’s be realistic here. When someone breaks into your home and you’re sitting with your family, what are you going to do? Tell the intruder, “Don’t hurt me. I don’t believe in guns.” You sit and wait for the police; hopefully, they will get there in time. I choose to protect myself and what I have worked so very hard to get.

Another fact for you to think about: Australia all but outlawed guns a few years ago. I would ask you to go look up what happened in the months and now years after. The violent crime rate has skyrocketed. Let’s be realistic. Part of the reason we have more issues with guns is because we have so many in the U.S. We also have more car accidents just simply because we have more cars than anywhere else. It seems to me before you start making statements about how things are, we should take a look at both sides and weigh the facts.

Lastly I would carry a gun not because I am looking for a fight but because I want to be left alone. It’s the only tool that puts me on the same level as a 7-foot, 300-pound mugger or a group of gangbangers bent on getting their kicks. I hope no one would ever have to use any weapon to hurt someone, but the reality is we live in a society where there are wolves that prey on the sheep, so I choose to be a sheep dog and protect myself and the flock.

Adam McKane

Albert Lea