I have manage to engage the editor, I hope you guys approve:
Dear Sir:
What exactly was the purpose of publishing the names of those lawfully armed citizens with concealed carry permits? I should think that if these ladies and gentlemen wanted everyone for three counties to know that they were carrying a firearm about their person, they would just carry their pistols openly. The idea behind ‘concealed carry’ is just that. Concealed. Not for all to know. Secret. Out of sight. See what I mean?
Or is it simply sensationalism? Stir controversy, sell papers, generate income. At what point does your paper’s collective conscience come into play? What about those on your list who’ve tried very hard to keep their addresses confidential for safety’s sake? Those who have kept their locations secret from ex’s who may pose a threat, or from a stalker who may be the very reason this person has a concealed firearm and permit? Any listing of a law enforcement officer, whether current or retired is a Third Degree Felony, not to mention the potential threat of retaliation from a disgruntled ‘guest of the state’.
And your listing of concealed permit holders has jeopardized each and everyone of those on the list to burglary. While its true that having a firearm about your person gives one a better chance of surviving a violent attack, it does not keep your possessions safe when one is not at home. It would be akin to listing all those within your readership who have jewelry with a value above $10,000 in their home. Suppose what the public reaction to that would be? Since we are on the subject of ‘public record’, how would you feel about your paper publishing your name and home address, along with your staff, and your work hours, and what valuables you have in your home.
Due to some individuals' negative personal views on firearms and Second Amendment rights, ccw holders on your list are now fair game for anti self defense employers. This list will no doubt be scrutinized by employers who hold a dim view of the right to self defense, and may be persecuted for being on the list.
Yes, this is public record. But this public record was not as easily discovered by the general populous until your ill mannered publishing of it.
I am certain mine is not the only letter of concern you have received. I am anxious to read your reply, if you so choose.
In closing, I ask that you be much more mindful of your actions in the future, and more respectful of the privacy of others. Even if it doesn’t sell as many papers.
Sincerely,
Dan
Next:
Dan,
Thanks for your email.
I'm not going to try to persuade you to another viewpoint, because
clearly
you think we were wrong in publishing this public information.
I'm curious; are you from Northwest Florida, and do you regularly read
our
newspaper? Let me know, if you have the time.
Thanks again,
Pat Rice
Editor
me:
Not originally from NorthWest Florida. I did spend 2 years in Bonifay, as a beef cattle agent for Holmes County through Cooperative Extension Service. Used to travel through your area quite a bit working with cattle growers and other agents.
As to persuading me to consider another viewpoint, please try. That was my point entirely: WHAT was the reason for printing the names?
While I am not a regular subscriber to your paper, I am a permit holder, and that puts me in a postion to voice my opinion, though not in your geographical region. Things that effect permit holders in any part of Florida, may/can impact me. If not now, then later as these type of events set a precedence.
While I realize what you did is perfectly legal, I am not sure I understand why. My thoughts being that if someone goes through the training and legal hoops to obtain a 'concealed' weapons permit, it is not something they want easily discovered. And while anyone with ill intent could obtain the same information through the same state channels you did, your paper simply made it that much easier.
So again, I ask with all sincerity: What was the point of printing the list? What did you accomplish? What made it newsworthy? Why not simply state the total number of permit holders? Why so specific as names? What exactly did that accomplish?
If possible, please feel free to contact me during work hours 07:30 to 15:30 east time at (813) xxx-xxxx. Or after hours at (813) xxx-xxxx.
Or, if you prefer, email me a number and time that I may contact you.
Dan
him:
Dan,
Thanks for your email.
We published this public information because we believe there is public
interest in knowing who in our area has a permit to carry a concealed
weapon in public. Also, it is a public record, and the people who have
concealed weapon permits appear to know it's a public record. We didn't
publish the list due to any political viewpoint. I personally believe
strongly in the Second Amendment right to bear arms. I also believe the
public has a right to know who is carrying loaded concealed weapons in
public places.
I hope this serves as an adequate answer to your email.
Pat Rice
finally me:
"We published this public information because we believe there is public
interest in knowing who in our area has a permit to carry a concealed
weapon in public."
This is my point: if its concealed, it is NOT meant for the general public to know. If ccw holders wanted everyone to know they had a firearm on them, they would just carry the gun openly. Part of what makes ccw work in reducing crime is that a ccw not only makes him/herself safer by carrying, they also make those who dont carry safer because criminals dont know who is carrying and who is not. Now, it is just that much easier to know. Just read the paper. And yes, some people know/knew its is public record, but that is a far cry from putting it in the newsapaper. Do you publish everyone's tax information? Hunting license holders? DMV records? Prison sentences and records after release?
In some states, it is forbidden for anyone to publish concealed handgun permit information. I believe that the best choice for Florida's ccw holders is to pursue the same legistation to protect our (ccw holder's) rights and privacy.
Again, I can see no reason to publish names versus just publishing numbers. I would think that any thug who reads that up to 5k citizens in the local area MAY be carrying at any time would re think his postition on certain types of crime, as he can bet there is a good chance one of his victims may be armed. Now, with an easily found list, he can better his chances.
Dan
How am I doing?
Dan
