Bill Kolender

Bill Kolender is the sheriff of San Diego County. In the following viewpoint, Kolender argues that a law that permits almost any resident to carry a concealed weapon is extremely dangerous. Studies have found that gun homicides increase in states that permit concealed weapons, he asserts. Furthermore, Kolender maintains that many people would use their guns to settle disputes in situations that normally would not turn violent, endangering the lives of law enforcement officers with each citizen they encounter.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. To whom would the issuing authority be forced to issue concealed carry permits, in Kolender’s opinion?
2. How many people are killed by guns in the United States each year, as cited by the author?
3. According to Kolender, what percentage of people are killed by people without criminal...