After a debate broke out among Patch readers in the wake of an armed robbery in Deerfield April 8 over whether an armed citizenry would increase or reduce crime.
A few days later Patch conducted an unscientific poll among its readers to see which route people felt was best and a majority believe concealed carry will decrease crime in the area. Of the 66 people who responded, 41 are in favor and 25 opposed.
Earlier: Will Concealed Carry Increase or Decrease Gun Violence
The poll was conducted while the United Senate was debating and defeated legislation to expand background checks before purchasing a gun, 54-46, Wednesday drawing criticism from Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Highland Park).
“I am disappointed that the Senate could not come together to support a bipartisan proposal that would reduce gun violence and protect law-abiding gun owners, but American voters are the ultimate judge of today’s result," Kirk said in a prepared statement.
The debate continued as the poll was conducted with 176 people offering comments through 10 a.m. Saturday. The tenor of the discussion reflected the outcome of the survey.
“The fact is these situations occur far too often in Illinois because people can't carry, and criminals know that,” Michael Litz wrote. “The only people Illinois anti-carry laws hurt are law-abiding citizens.”
Alice Riley took exception to Litz. “We don't need an armed society but an unarmed,” she wrote.
Sharon Shariatzadeh told of her own personal experience taking a training course in Glenview and is not sure letting people carry guns is wise unless they are well trained. She fired a gun at a target and came away with concerns.
“Unless those who carry weapons are really trained in many, many practice sessions, getting the bullet to go where you want is a pipe dream,” Shariatzadeh wrote. “Try it sometime and see how good you are.”