LETTER: Banning guns isn't the answer to crime

The recent spike in gun sales and concealed weapons classes will have critics calling for a total ban on gun ownership.

First, criminals will not obey new gun laws, just as they don't obey other laws. Second, Americans own more guns than ever and more states now issue carry permits and crime is down according to recent FBI reports. Meanwhile countries like the UK and Australia that have banned gun ownership, their crime rate spiked, including gun crimes. The criminals did not turn in their guns - a real surprise there.

Recent Supreme Court decisions ruling gun ownership is a fundamental constitutional right that allows law abiding citizens the right to protect themselves and family with deadly force, if necessary, from unwanted attacks is the law of the land. Criminals beware - many would be victims will protect themselves to your surprise and pain.

Until government, churches, schools and society, in general, can figure a way to stop criminal activity against innocent citizens, those law abiding citizens should not be denied the right to protect themselves, family and home from those who would do us harm, walking away laughing while exhibiting little regard for human life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Tom McDonnell

Aiken