Guns at the airport

Responses to "State gun law sets stage for airport showdown," Page One, July 1

Feds must get involved, enforce law

So, Mayor Shirley Franklin and airport General Manager Ben DeCosta have decided to resort to vigilante tactics and arrest a law-abiding citizen, committing no crime, because they do not agree with a federal and state law.

Have they never read the Constitution of the United States? Not only does the Second Amendment guarantee the right to keep and bear arms, but the Fourth Amendment is written to protect citizens from unreasonable search and seizure.

Federal authorities need to get involved in this travesty, at once. The integrity of our constitutionally affirmed rights is in danger. Further, if the ACLU is really about protecting civil rights, as opposed to just pushing a liberal agenda, they will immediately attack the mayor's and DeCosta's actions.

We must not allow petty tyranny to replace obedience to the law. Disagreement with a law is not grounds for breaking it.

PETE BORDEN

East Cobb

Hastily crafted laws made to be broken

The recent ruling from the Supreme Court affirms the right of citizens to own and carry guns for protection. The ruling does not forbid municipal governments from regulating the use of handguns.

Hartsfield airport, the busiest airport in the nation, can be considered a municipality because it serves many of the same functions as one and was placed under federal jurisdiction because of terrorism concerns.

For the greater good, the rights of the one may be suspended, even if this is something rugged individualists like state Rep. Tim Bearden may not want to hear. As Georgia lawmakers have proven time and time again, new law crafted in the heat of passion is made to be broken. The simple fact is that the era of cowboy diplomacy is long past.

VINCENT KELLY

Atlanta

Now, unease in public places

It is frightening that Georgia's new irresponsible gun law has taken effect. I will no longer feel comfortable in restaurants, on public transportation, or in public places where guns are allowed.

I will look with suspicion at fellow diners, travelers, etc., wondering whether they are carrying a weapon. More people will carry a weapon —- even those without a permit.

A concealed-weapons permit does not automatically confer good judgment or mean that the person carrying a gun is not also carrying a grudge. I sincerely hope nothing happens "High Noon" style. But if and when it does, I hope it happens to the bill sponsor, Rep. Tim Bearden, and not to my family.

MELISSA WADE

Alpharetta