Concealed-carry laws save lives

I'm an Arizona resident, originally from Chicago, currently visiting friends in the area. Hearing about the Lane Bryant mass murder, I'm appalled Illinois has not yet passed a concealed-carry law to make their citizens safer.

When I drive in from Arizona, my Concealed Weapons Permit is valid in every state I drive through up to Illinois. Before entering Illinois, I must unload, case and store my handgun away. Why is my life worth less in Illinois?

In the Lane Bryant incident, any one of those ladies, if armed, could have saved herself and perhaps others.

Is being forced into a back room, bound, assaulted and shot in the back of the head superior to trusting the law-abiding citizen the right to carry a firearm for protection?

Concealed-carry benefits women and the elderly most.

Only Illinois and Wisconsin have no form of concealed-carry for the private citizen. In Indiana, for instance, you need only be 18 and submit to a background check to get a permit.

Illinois politicians have armed guards. Chicago aldermen reserve the right, for themselves (with no training) to carry handguns.

Get on the Internet, search concealed-carry, and see how well it works throughout our nation. The life you save could be your own.

Ron Bond

Benson, Ariz.