Maryland can reduce murder rate with 'right to carry' law

The Sun should be commended for publishing such an extensive article on the "right to carry" laws in Maryland and putting it in clear terms that anyone can understand ("Gun laws' sketchy effect," March 11). The bottom line, according to the academics, is that restrictions or a lack of restrictions make no difference. However, it's complicated because on one hand, "the right to carry" concealed guns does decrease the murder rates and on the other hand, "the right to carry" will "slightly increase the number of aggravated assaults." Considering Baltimore has one of the highest murder rates in the nation, I believe decreasing the murder rate would be a great thing, and accepting a slight increase in the number of aggravated assaults would be a good compromise.

This is a no-brainer, abide by the Second Amendment of our Constitution and stop using to old worn out ploy of "it's for the safety of the public" that Maryland has a "may issue" law instead of a "shall issue." Keep in mind that criminals don't care about laws whereas only honest citizens do care — but also have a right to protect themselves.

Edward Moshang, Towson