To the Editor:

As a long-time N.R.A. member, I wish to respond to Publisher Scott McLeod about his recent gun control column. I haven’t read Senate Bill 708 so will not comment on it. 

However, his “by the numbers” source —  The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence — has very inflated numbers about guns, as most anti-gun groups do. They simply are not true. If true gun facts are sought, please go to the FBI website or go to www.nraila.org. Most anti-gun groups grossly alter the facts.

Also, most law enforcement agencies support concealed carry by responsible citizens. A bad guy with a gun can only be stopped by a good guy with a gun. Our fine cops can never be everywhere all the time. Seconds count.

How can anyone believe criminals will obey gun control laws? They don’t obey any laws. Criminals are afraid of people with guns and respect them. It’s as simple as that.

Cliff Williams

Swain County