By Gary Blackburn

Guest Columnist

We all have the right to self-defense – the right to protect our own lives and the lives of others. This is the most basic right we have: to remain alive, simply as a result of being a human.

No government granted this right; “rights” given by the government are in fact “privileges.” Privileges are granted and can be taken away by the grantor.

Our founders felt in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of the federal government’s powers, further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added to our Constitution. Thus, the Bill of Rights was created and added to the U.S. Constitution. Notice the word “restrictive.” These were implemented to restrict the federal government.

Amendment 2 of the U.S. Constitution states, “The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”

The Alabama Constitution states, “Every citizen has a fundamental right to bear arms in defense of himself or herself and the state.”

As you can see, we should not be required to get a permission slip from the government to protect ourselves in the best way available – carrying a gun in the manner we choose.

Our state legislators are considering bills to eliminate the requirement of a permit to carry a firearm concealed, thereby restricting themselves from infringing on our rights.

Permits will remain available for purchase. Some folks will still need one or want one for travel to other states and perhaps other reasons.

This will not change anything for felons; they will continue to be restricted.

This bill will not allow more guns on the streets or teens or criminals or anyone to have guns who are currently not allowed to have guns. This bill will not endanger law enforcement officers.

I am representing BamaCarry/FranklinCounty and BamaCarry Inc., and I am asking you to call your representatives and ask them to support this bill. If you have questions or want to discuss the bill, call me at 256-668-0832 or email me at MrBthatsme@gmail.com.