In a recent Maine Voices column (“Speak out on issue of gun regulation in our state,” July 1), Nancy P. Boucher invites readers to comment on the new concealed-carry law (L.D. 652). Her “what is right” anti-gun views use driving and medical licensing law analogies to make her points.

She also asks questions related to concealed carry that can be answered as follows:

• Yes, there should be uniform requirements for concealed or open carry, including background checks and gun safety training.

• I’d prefer open carry only in places and circumstances that avoid provoking fear in the anti-gun crowd, e.g., hunting, target shooting, competitions and the like.

• I agree that if current permitting procedures are inadequate, they should be revised.

Ms. Boucher opines that “having more people carrying concealed guns is not good for families, communities, states, countries or the human race.”

An alternative view is that when you aren’t sure whether the people you encounter are armed or not, prudence dictates that greater respect and civility be practiced. It might be noted that the crime rates in less restrictive states are lower than in those states that introduce barriers to the Second Amendment – think places such as New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Miami and various cities in California.

As she suggests, I have shared my views with friends, families and legislators, and now in a local paper.

Her driving analogy might be cited as an example of inconsistent reasoning. If automobiles kill more people than guns, then automobile use should be restricted or outlawed, but no one is seriously considering that.

Most Americans are basically law-abiding. The anti-gun people might more profitably direct their energies at cultures, e.g., those in the Mideast, that are not.

Let your voices be heard opposing guns in the hands of those who have demonstrated their irresponsible behavior!