Are the days of compromise behind us? Are we so caught up in our political rhetoric that we lack the critical thinking necessary to recognize an inconsistency when one exists?

Consider the recent hot-button topics of (1) voter registration ID and (2) permitless conceal carry of firearms. The lack of consistency demonstrated by both the political left and right is enough to make my head explode.

Most of the political right in our state maintain that everyone should be able to carry a concealed firearm, regardless of training. They say that a permit should not be required.

At the same time, they say that would-be voters must first demonstrate proof of legal citizenship (via legal and current photo ID) in order to vote.

Meanwhile, the political left in our state argues that requiring everyone to show a valid ID at the voting booth is unreasonable and creates undue hardship.

At the same time, they assert that anyone who wants to carry a concealed firearm must go through a permitting process, which consists of a background check and training.

Let’s ask a couple of objective questions.

Why wouldn’t we want assurances that people who carry firearms actually know how to handle them safely and responsibly? This is not a denial of rights!

As someone who served as a U.S. Army range safety officer, I will tell you that putting a loaded rifle into the hands of a trainee for the first time is a scary thing. Training reduces accidents. Personally, I don’t know anyone who wants to see untrained individuals carrying concealed firearms on our streets.

Also, why wouldn’t we want assurances that people who vote on important and costly issues are doing so as legal U.S./local citizens? Why not eliminate the possibility of voter fraud?

Ted Bennett

Scarborough

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