Re: “,” Dec. 15 Mario Nicolais column.
So, a state representative attempts to go through DIA security and “forgets” that she is armed. Then, in a Sunday Denver Post op-ed, writer Mario Nicolais blithely excuses her forgetfulness by saying that he too conceal-carries and on more than one occasion has forgotten that he is armed. Really? Years ago as a police officer, whether on duty or not, I never “forgot” that I was carrying a lethal weapon. Ever present also was the realization that some bad guy might also want to separate me from that weapon. A responsible gun owner does not merely “forget” that he or she is armed, especially going through a security checkpoint such as the airport. That didn’t cause Rep. Lori Saine to at least ask herself “Where is my weapon?” Perhaps a felony charge is not warranted, but their respective county sheriffs ought to at least question whether Ms. Saine and Mr. Nicolais are too “forgetful” to be issued a concealed-carry permit.
龱ѾԴDzԲ, Golden
If there is no better reason for criticism of concealed carry, one should look to the defense offered for Rep. Lori Saine carrying a loaded weapon into the DIA by Mario Nicolais. In short he states she is only human in forgetting she was carrying a loaded weapon. He goes further by explaining he himself has forgotten the same thing. I think carrying a concealed weapon is a privilege that should make the carrier aware at all times of the carry. After all, the primary reason to carry is for safety in all situations and places. Forgetting you have it negates that reason. Certainly any training in carry permits should stress the fact of increased awareness of the fact you are carrying. Saine and Nicolais (an attorney himself, he should be aware that “ignorance of the law” is not a defense) should have to go to more training at least or perhaps have their permits revoked.
Roger P. Wadleigh, Centennial
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