I OPPOSE this measure and encourage all others to oppose as well.  This is a question of choice.  I choose to defend myself, my family, and my fellow citizens by carrying a firearm.  That is my choice, and no one else's.  

I choose to carry because I value the lives around me and would be devastated to see harm come to anyone unnecessarily.  It's a dangerous world we live in, and you never know when that day may come when you find yourself in a horrible situation.  Active shooters, terrorist attacks, criminal activity.  I don't carry out of fear, I carry out of equal measures of love and anger.  I love my community, friends, and family while I'm angry that there are those who would see harm on innocent people. I stand to oppose that harmful element.

I choose to carry in defense of myself and others, rather than write ineffective laws which only hinder the ability of law abiding persons the right to choose what is best for themselves.  Someone intent on causing harm isn't going to stop at the gates and give up because some sign got posted saying 'No Weapons'.  How many active shooters have we had in these 'Gun Free Zones' now?  We have laws in place for theft, robbery, assualt, murder, drug use, and countless others.  Criminals don't care, and aren't deterred by law.  Only those who live by the law care.  

I am a firearms instructor myself, and have extensive training.  I train military, police, and civilians.  I'm absolutely the guy you should want on your side in a bad situation.  I do take care to know and follow the law. If some silly law says I must be disarmed in some place, I can't help you much if things get ugly, and we will both suffer until police can respond.  The same is true of every lawful concealed carrier out there.  They are trained, background checked, and able.  Statistics show concealed carriers are arrested at rates BELOW law enforment officers national average.  They are NOT the problem.  Why take them out of play when they bring legitimate security anywhere they are?  Criminals don't know where or who they are. They aren't visible like a uniformed police officer.  They are an unknown which criminals don't want to risk encountering.

I see concealed carriers much like vaccines.  When more people get vaccines, even the ones who don't get vaccinated enjoy extra protection.  It's harder for the disease to reach or spread when there are vaccinated persons surrounding them.  The same is true with concealed carriers.  You gain protection simply by presence.  Who in their right mind would rather take your chances alone and unarmed when the benefit is there and free?  If you don't like firearms, that's absolutely fine and your CHOICE.  I respect that choice, carrying firearms takes exceptional responsibility at all times.  Please respect my personal choice to carry and please don't think you are better at choosing for me.

Please oppose this measure.  Our safety depends upon it.

-Mike Umphlette