LETTER To EDITOR: 

Source:  "York Sunday News" Section: VIEWPOINTS, Page 01-06

"Best to have gun, not need it."
By John D.M. Shelley II, 
Spingettsbury Twp.


Sunday, September 11, 2011


Regarding the Aug. 21 editorial, “Be Careful, Gun Owners”:

On July 14, 1974, I was robbed and shot leaving a restaurant with my girlfriend in West Palm Beach, Florida, lived through it, still carry the .32 caliber bullet near my lower spine, and vowed “never to be a victim, twice.”

I’ve legally carried concealed since the day I got out of South Miami Hospital, and since moving back to Pennsylvania to live here and start my business, in 1990.

Fortunately, I’ve never had an occasion to use my Kimber 1911 “Eclipse Target II” .45 caliber ACP, but it goes everywhere I go, “cocked and locked” with two extra 8-round mags. It even goes to my condo’s front door when the doorbell rings, regardless of who is there. With home invasions, robberies and “flash mobs” on the rise, it becomes “an extra measure of insurance” against external violence from unwanted sources.

In the very few times in which I’ve encountered a road rage incident, I’m happy to pull over and allow that angry person to pass by, and actively avoid confrontations, at all costs, except when my life/family’s life are threatened. Then, the self-defense “castle doctrine” will take swift action and final effect.

I hope that day never comes, but should it become necessary, I will not hesitate in defending myself, family or friends from anyone’s violence.

I’d rather have it and not need it, than not have it and need it.

JOHN D.M. SHELLEY II

SPINGETTSBURY TWP.
Caption/Lead: No Art

Ed Mahon

Government and Politics Reporter

York Daily Record/Sunday News

1891 Loucks Road York,PA 17408

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