Dear Abby today

[Coops]

This "Dear Abby" letter caught my eye in the newspaper today.
http://www.uexpress.com/dearabby/

PISTOL-PACKING PARISHIONER CAUSES UNEASE IN THE FLOCK

DEAR ABBY: My parents told me that a member of their congregation carries a licensed gun when he's in church. He is not a law enforcement officer or a private security guard, but keeps the gun on him "for protection." When I asked what the pastor has to say about this, I was told, "He doesn't know or can't do anything about it."

I suggested that Mom and Dad speak to the congregation board of directors because they are legally and financially responsible for the church. They refused even though they are not happy about this gun issue.

My parents have a long history of complaining about things but doing nothing to resolve them. I feel that if someone needs to carry a gun at all times, I don't want to be in his presence. If he's the target of an assassination, the killer might shoot the wrong person. I will not set foot in the church as long as that man is there.

I'm not sure what bothers me more -- that this man is packing heat or that my parents have valid concerns and won't speak out. What do you think? -- GUN-SHY IN N.Y.C.

DEAR GUN-SHY: If the man has a license to carry the gun, then he is breaking no laws. You are certainly within your rights to refrain from being in his presence. If your parents were really concerned about their safety, they would either talk to the pastor or go somewhere else to worship. Because they have done neither, I think you should let it go.

Looks like Abby is a gun rights supporter.

[scoutjoe]

I'd say she at least has common sense, which isn't so common anymore

[headcase]

Seems more like Dear Abby has a handle on reality than necessarily being a gun rights supporter, although the two are not mutually exclusive. Kudos.

[HiredGoon]

Strange that the writer of the letter signed that they are from N.Y.C.

If the church also is there, it doesn't seem likely the guy is legally carrying...unless he is a cop and the writer does not know that.

Also strange that the writer used the term "packing heat".

Maybe it's not a legitimate letter???

[Malanthor]

PISTOL-PACKING PARISHIONER CAUSES UNEASE IN THE FLOCK

DEAR ABBY: My parents told me that a member of their congregation carries a licensed gun when he's in church. He is not a law enforcement officer or a private security guard, but keeps the gun on him "for protection." When I asked what the pastor has to say about this, I was told, "He doesn't know or can't do anything about it."

I suggested that Mom and Dad speak to the congregation board of directors because they are legally and financially responsible for the church. They refused even though they are not happy about this gun issue.

My parents have a long history of complaining about things but doing nothing to resolve them. I feel that if someone needs to carry a gun at all times, I don't want to be in his presence. If he's the target of an assassination, the killer might shoot the wrong person. I will not set foot in the church as long as that man is there.

I'm not sure what bothers me more -- that this man is packing heat or that my parents have valid concerns and won't speak out. What do you think? -- GUN-SHY IN N.Y.C.

DEAR GUN-SHY: If the man has a license to carry the gun, then he is breaking no laws. You are certainly within your rights to refrain from being in his presence. If your parents were really concerned about their safety, they would either talk to the pastor or go somewhere else to worship. Because they have done neither, I think you should let it go.



Looks like Abby is a gun rights supporter.

Bold is mine. I wonder who that guy that carries is. must be special to carry in NYC!

[US Militiaman]

Bold is mine. I wonder who that guy that carries is. must be special to carry in NYC!

Or it could be that she sees it when she visits her parents in PA...just a thought.

But a pretty good response overall.

[dc dalton]

Nothing like some good old fashioned common sense from a good old fashioned lady (is she really still alive?)

Kudos to her, or whomever wrote the response

[PocketProtector]

Common sense....she didn't want to get flamed !!

[anonymouse]

Common sense....she didn't want to get flamed !!

maybe she was afraid that if she started debating CC vs OC the AP would close her column

[PocketProtector]

maybe she was afraid that if she started debating CC vs OC the AP would close her column

Shocked AP didn't "edit" it.....or maybe they did.