Illinois subjects don't warrant right to self-defense

The Daily Herald's piece (July 26) regarding a police officer shooting three suspected crooks trying to kill him and his companion illustrates what is wrong in Illinois. Had this officer been a normal citizen there is a good chance the families would be making funeral arrangements. After all, if this was the case the victims would be unarmed and completely defenseless, just the way the powers that be want it.

Had this incident taken place in a state that allows its citizens to defend themselves through carrying a concealed weapon there is a much better chance there would not have been an altercation, period. After all, the perps would have to wonder if their intended victims were armed and may have declined taking the chance. This happens in 48 other states every day, but the media rarely covers stories in which the "common folk" are empowered to protect themselves and their loved ones.

I also have to wonder if the women killed in the Lane Bryant store or those killed at Northern Illinois wished the state of Illinois recognized their right to protect themselves. These might have had completely different outcomes had a properly trained holder of a state issued concealed carry permit been involved.

I am the holder of one of these permits, issued by another state that does recognize my right to defend myself.

My job takes me into other states and sometimes to "not so nice" neighborhoods and it does give me piece of mind knowing that I can defend myself if the situation arises. It's so ironic to realize that before I cross the state line back in to my own state I have to unload and stow my weapon in my trunk and revert to being a subject totally dependent on the police response time in case I have an emergency.

Chuck Guy

Elk Grove Village