Letter: Concern should be for victim, not lawbreaker

Rep. Mary Wolfe is half right in her argument against proposed changes in Iowa's gun regulations, when she says that the bill would ' ... make(s) Iowa a more dangerous place ...”, but not 'to live” ('Panel OKs stand-your-ground,” March 2).

No, the proposed changes would make Iowa a more dangerous place for the individual breaking and entering one's home, for any reason!

She further argues that deadly force should not be used when only property is at stake. If one finds themselves in a chance encounter with someone who is breaking into their home, one doesn't have time to ask the intruder to fill out a questionnaire to clarify his/her intent (robbery, rape, arson, murder).

And retreat, as an alternative solution to ‘standing your ground'? To where does one retreat once the intruder is inside the house? No, retreat most of the time is not a solution; it is an invitation to further aggression.

I continue to be baffled by those whose overriding concern seems to be for the well-being/protection of the lawbreaker, at the potential expense of the victim.

Been there; it is a life altering experience.

Tom Kopecky

Cedar Rapids