By Perry Hitchens Santa Monica
It’s disappointing but not surprising to me that the ignoramus, albeit talented, Mr. [Llyod] Garver would have the audacity to make light of a topic about which he obviously knows nothing nor cares to learn (“The land of 10,000 lakes and even more firearms,” page 4, July, 26).
Even more disheartening is this editorial staff easily allowing such offensively childish views to be printed. Did any editor responsibly and kindly advise Garver to please take a look at the Second Amendment of our [U.S.] Constitution before taking on the topic? Perhaps he should have spoken to someone who carries firearms daily or read a well-respected book about the practice?
If one must make light of our Constitutional rights, at least be clever — not snide. He obviously neither respects the fine folks of Minnesota nor their right to protect themselves from harm.
His laughable perceptions on firearms and those who legally carry concealed are so ill-informed and infantile that its publishing is both condescending and a disservice to your readership, especially to firearms novices and those who have never been to Minnesota.
For many, not only do they enjoy shooting and appreciate the awesome protection firearms can provide, but they are also responsible, law-abiding citizens. They regularly educate themselves about gun safety and self-defense, and the more they learn, the deeper their admiration becomes for America and for which it stands. Some may choose to live without guns, but I cannot imagine living without them, especially in a free nation whose founding fathers embraced liberty wholeheartedly.
Furthermore, just as SMDP would rightfully censor a writer who derided a people for practicing their constitutionally protected religion, so should your staff in this case after recognizing the gravity of his misplaced mockery. It would be a responsible and classy act, perhaps even raising the bar in this day and age.
I strongly urge SMDP to elevate the discourse on such core issues as the Second Amendment. Don’t settle for one man’s reckless attempt at humor to chip away at our and fellow Americans’ rights through misinformation and irreverent rants. It’s just a waste of paper.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 9, 2008. Read the original PDF.