Letter: Clayton’s not perfect, but it’s close to it

Don’t take away 2nd Amendment rights

As a lifelong resident of Clayton I feel compelled to respond to Galen Kopfmann’s letter expressing his “disgust and horror” over the collaboration between Main Street Jewelers and Trigger Happy Guns.

Before I go any further let me say that I am deeply saddened by the atrocity that was committed in Newtown, Conn. It should never have happened and I pray that all of the people affected will find peace and healing.

I’m a native North Carolinian and have lived in Clayton all my life. Clayton’s not perfect and sometimes I’d like to change a thing or two and that’s OK.

What I have not seen is a lawless, wild-west type of town where everyone has a gun strapped on and is looking for any excuse to gun people down. What I have not seen are people who take perverse delight in the Newtown, Conn. tragedy or hail the shooter as a hero. What I have not seen are businesses that are hell bent on making money at the expense of a horrific event.

The Constitution guarantees not only our freedom of speech but also our right to bear arms and there is nothing wrong with us as Americans exercising those rights. Unfortunately, not every American shares that sentiment and that’s OK. What is not OK, however, is for them to legislate that freedom away based on fear and hysteria. If you don’t care for guns, are afraid of them or just want to completely trust in the government for your care and protection that’s fine but don’t condemn me because I disagree with you.

I think the remarks toward the gentleman who bought the engagement ring, the businesses involved and the community of Clayton is extreme to say the least. I also find it interesting that he is able to form this opinion after living here only a few months and having read an article in the local newspaper. If our fair community has suddenly become such a terrible place maybe he should relocate to an area that is more in line with his mind set, opinion and ideology.

In closing, it’s a shame the writer now refuses to support Clayton and it’s his loss. But he needn’t worry. The police department, fire department, EMS, local churches and other organizations will still be there to lend assistance should he find himself in need. It’s just how we do things.

Mark Hall

Clayton