Letter: Licensing constitutes infringement

A Sept. 3 letter writer objected to proposed federal legislation that would allow concealed-carry reciprocity between our 50 states because there are varying permit standards among them ('Oppose Concealed Carry Reciprocity”). The states recognize many of each other's certificates, licenses, etc. Let's look at three that we all encounter daily. Auto registrations, driver's license and high school diplomas have different requirements from state to state. Yet they are recognized across the nation.

The letter writer rues the fact that 12 states require no permit at all. These are the ones that have got it right. Our Bill of Rights declares that the right to keep and bears arms shall not be infringed. Licensing and permits constitute infringement.

The proposed legislation would ensure that your self-defense ability doesn't end at your state line. I experienced this firsthand 40 years ago. I was attacked in Rock Island by a guy I had arrested the previous year. Because I was several hundred yards into Illinois, my Iowa CCW permit was invalid and I was unarmed.

Fortunately, several passers-by came to my assistance. It took four of us to subdue this drug-crazed giant. I don't want to have to count on being that lucky next time and neither should anyone else.

Dean Varner

Cedar Rapids