Recently I read the blog post written by one of your “Agree to Disagree” columnists, Ethan Strimling, titled “It is time for a People’s Veto on Guns” (June 11).

He makes a statement that I feel is an incorrect statement of fact. I offer here what is my understanding of the facts that may have been misstated.

In his post, the second sentence states: “legislators and the governor will shortly make it legal for convicted criminals to secretly carry loaded handguns … .”

In fact, I cannot see how that statement could be true. I have read the entire text of the legislation he’s discussing, L.D. 652, and I can find nothing at all to suggest that anything in L.D. 652 will (in Mr. Strimling’s own words) “make it legal for convicted criminals to secretly carry loaded handguns.”

In fact, I would assume that the text in L.D. 652, “except that a person who is not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm” would make it illegal for convicted criminals to secretly carry loaded handguns, since the convicted criminal is already prohibited from possessing a firearm.

My understanding of the facts of L.D. 652 are as follows:

• L.D. 652 allows only law-abiding citizens to carry concealed handguns. Convicted criminals will be prohibited from carrying concealed handguns, as they are now.

• L.D. 652 will restore an important constitutional right to the people of Maine.

• L.D. 652 is supported by the Maine State Police.

It is time for constitutional carry here in Maine. We have a very large state. Often the police are not just down the road or around the corner. The good, law-abiding people of Maine deserve to exercise their right to self-defense.

Matthew Brown

Augusta

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