Letter to the Editor: Gun lists pose danger

August 5, 2004
Lorain Morning Journal

To the Editor:

William Singleton, a respected African-American Cleveland business owner, was killed Tuesday when three robbers allegedly shot him before he had time to respond to their demands. This occurred less than a week after a newspaper published his name in a list of concealed carry license holders.

Criminals may be dumb, but often they are resourceful. They take any opportunity to be ahead of the curve, assuring success against their victims. Opportunity becomes available when they know who does, and does not, have a license for concealed carry.

Some newspapers have printed names and compiled Internet lists of concealed carry license holders claiming it's their "right" and a public service. Meanwhile, they're giving abusive spouses a resource to locate their victimized wives or husbands. They're providing criminals with the names of homeowners who have guns that can be stolen. And worse yet, they're publishing the names of business owners who criminals might now shoot first before robbing.

A federal law was passed protecting a driver's information after a stalker killed actress Rebecca Shaefer. He located her because her license plate information was public record. This was something the media used to think was a "right." Did William Singleton's shooters know he was armed? I can't claim to know, but how many dead business owners, stolen guns and exposed spouses in hiding will it take for these newspapers to figure out who the bad guys really are and whose rights are really being infringed?

Jason Muhich
Sheffield Township

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Days after Plain Dealer ''outing''; CHL-holder Bill Singleton is dead