Good guys with guns?

About mid-January, I received an advertisement addressed to “Resident.” It was an invitation to a new church starting at the Freeman High School in Spokane Valley. It says “We offer safe, creative, and age appropriate children’s classes…” I thought, is this one of Matt Shea’s schemes? I wondered what do they mean by “safe”? I called them. The reply came from a member who provides security. I asked if they allow guns in their church services. I got the NRA spiel “good guys with guns protect against bad guys.” He advocated the legality of concealed carry gun permits. He mentioned “gently locking children in a room to keep them safe.” Really! Unlawful imprisonment?

I researched “The Crime Report” and the ” Violence Policy Center” about concealed carry permit holders and the incidents of gun deaths not involving self defense. Between May of 2007 and October of 2019 there were 1,335 documented deaths caused by persons carrying concealed weapons permits (not self defense ). Of these 35 were fatal mass shootings involving three or more people (167 victims ), and 24 of the victims were law enforcement officers.

I have a pastor friend who is a devoted parishioner of the NRA and thinks guns in church is OK. I wonder what the so-called loving creator of the universe thinks?

Janet C. Smith

Spokane