Editor:

During a recent visit with my sister in Oakland, Calif., our conversation turned to the crime rate in her city. She told me that the trend among armed robbers was what are termed "take over" robberies, during which one or more armed thugs would brandish weapons in a restaurant and not only rob the cash box, but also all of the customers. Any attempt to resist is likely to result in the shooting of an unarmed customer or worker.

She was somewhat taken aback when I told her that that type of robbery "wasn't allowed" in New Mexico. I further explained that since we weren't in a (safe?) gun-free city, I could sit in any of my favorite cafes and count at least a half dozen people who were carrying firearms, concealed or openly. Our criminals in New Mexico are at least bright enough to see that the odds are against them in a take-over situation.

Referring to the front page article in The Daily Times of March 15, I would first like to voice my support of our legislators who are supporting a revision of the law that would allow a concealed carry permit holder to have lunch or dinner in a restaurant where alcohol is served. Kudos to Sen. Bill Sharer for his belief that responsible adults are not the enemy.

I also support the rights of management to prohibit concealed weapons in their establishments.

To address the concerns of the business owners, I have made the decision long ago to avoid any establishment wherein my right to self-defense is compromised.

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Don't be fooled by the idea that a sign on the door stops people with guns from entering. The sign only tells the bad guys with guns that no one inside will have any means of self defense. Virtually all of the mass shootings that have taken place in this country have occurred in "Gun-Free Zones," where the perpetrator knows he can inflict maximum damage with minimal resistance.

It pays to keep in mind a simple truism: "When seconds count, the police are just minutes away."

GUY E. SHEPHARD

Farmington