I received a brief letter from a retired Naval veteran regarding gun rights this past weekend, and it brings forward a couple of questions that I have not answered in writing. I will post the letter here (without the author’s full address and phone number) and then comment:

Dear Mr Smack,

What is your position on concealed firearms carry by law abiding citizens?

Would you support legislation requiring states to honor other states’ concealed firearms permits?

CPO J. L. Rhodes, USN(RET)

Fallon NV

P. S. I read with great interest your press release applauding the U. S. Supreme Court decision re DC vs Heller. Thank you.

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I have been pretty clear where I stand on gun rights throughout my campaign, and was asked by many voters during my tour around the state this past weekend about gun control, Concealed Carry, and other gun issues. My feelings on Concealed Carry are pretty straightforward: I believe that any state that recognizes Concealed Carry Permits should recognize those permits from other states just like my Driver’s License is recognized in those states. I also believe that any state that has not enacted a Concealed Carry law is, in my opinion, a little behind the times and should work to enact such legislation for their citizens with all due speed. I would virtually demand that citizens who go through the process to get a Concealed Carry permit in their state should not be restricted at all on where they can carry their firearm, including near school grounds and government buildings.

I have been questioned when I articulate my position on repealing the Brady Bill about different shooting events like Virginia Tech. One thing I like to remind those who bring these horrific events to my attention is the Virginia Tech shooter PASSED the Brady when he bought his guns. What might have prevented the substantial loss of life at Virginia Tech would have been that campus allowing Concealed Carry holders to carry on campus. The citizens who get a Concealed Carry permit have to go through extensive background checks and fingerprinting, these are the most upstanding citizens of our great country!!! These people should be able to carry anytime, anywhere. Two examples right off the top of my head where a Concealed Carry holder prevented what might have been further loss of life was the Mall Shooting in Salt Lake City a couple of years ago, and more recently a bar fight in Winnemucca, NV, where a Concealed Carry holder neutralized a shooter from doing more harm by using his gun on the shooter while the shooter was attempting to reload. How many more than 2 people lose their life that night in Winnemucca if the Concealed Carry holder is not there to stop the shooter from reloading?

My reason behind eliminating the Brady Bill is really rather simple: it is effectively building a database on law abiding citizens who own guns, and it is a ridiculous amount of paperwork and regulation for those businesses who choose to sell guns. The interpretation of the Second Amendment wording “shall not be infringed” when it comes to a citizen’s right to keep and bear arms I take very literally, and will continue to do so in representing Nevada in Congress.

Lastly, Yes, I do have a Concealed Carry Permit issued here in Nevada…and I am a proud gun owner!