In my last Shooters Corner discussion, there were two questions asked of Larry Black about gun rights and issues. His answers generated, shall I say, a “lively discussion” on the topic. There were four different people in particular giving their thoughts on the subject. I have included their discussion, but the names are user names, not actual names.

The first to give his thoughts on Black’s answers was Tom Sawyer. Sawyer was totally against the permit in order to carry a concealed firearm and also said he would not vote for Black in the upcoming election.

The second person to enter the discussion was rags1. I will quote this answer.

“If Larry Black is such an expert on guns then why in 1990 as a Catoosa County deputy, you know, “trained,” was he involved in an excessive force incident with a gun. It resulted with a jury in 1994 finding him liable and Catoosa County paid a boat load of money because he is a cowboy.”

The third person was ngbwr1, who said this is not the “wild, wild west,” and people should know how to use a concealed weapon safely. They agree there is no problem with a person having to take a class for a permit.

The fourth person to comment was truthisthis. While they do not support a particular candidate, they did think we do not need any more government control, period.

I tried to contact Black for a possible comment on the thoughts of the ones that wrote in, but was unable to reach him. I would like to ask the other candidates for Catoosa County sheriff to contact me and give their thoughts on the subject.

The discussions of the concealed firearm laws can be read in their entirety by going to catoosanews.com. Use search words Roger Sherrill under the “articles” tab.

There were 1,744 views on the internet article the last time I checked, which tells me the residents of Ringgold and Catoosa County are still paying attention to the local political matters that involve them. I can only imagine what it would be like if I were going about my daily business knowing everyone around me had the right to carry a gun, even though the fellow next to me was a convicted rapist, or the person to my left maybe has a history of violence or the person to my back is a drug addict. Do I need to go on?

I think we all know of someone personally who, quite frankly, should not be anywhere near a firearm. So who checks these people out? I realize the concealed firearm permit offends many citizens, but can you give me a better solution as to who is responsible enough to carry a gun.

Thank you to all those who gave their thoughts on the upcoming race for Catoosa County Sheriff. I personally believe whoever is elected for should be experienced, compassionate, honorable and trustworthy.

Roger Sherrill lives in Ringgold. He can be reached at tandemjumper@catt.com.