Representative Ross,
It has come to my attention that you are prohibiting the vote on the Castle Doctrine (Defense of Habitation Law). Many citizens of this state feel as if the lack of a castle doctrine law is giving criminals a green light to carry out their illegal activities at will. Our police departments are not equipped to personally protect every citizen of North Carolina. Furthermore, It is unreasonable to believe that Law Enforcement officers can be everywhere at all times to prevent violent crimes.
According to the NC Uniform Crime Reporting Program, from 1999 to 2008, 42,257 violent crimes occurred. 23,012 of these crimes were cleared by Law Enforcement. That means that in an unacceptable 45.5% of violent crimes during this time span, offenders faced no responsibility for their crimes.
As a gun owner, I realize the great responsibility that comes with possessing a firearm. I never want to use my weapon against another person! I wish that there was no risk of violent crime.Sadly, this is not the case. It is my opinion that our current laws are detrimental to our God given right of self preservation.
I recently took the Concealed Handgun class. During this class, I was shocked to learn that our laws seemingly enable criminals to come onto or into our properties and take what they wish as long as they do not present a threat of death, severe injury or rape to my family or myself. This is absurd!
I am not asking for a license to kill! All I am asking for is our rights to stop a criminal from physically or financially harming our families to be recognized . Please allow the Castle Doctrine to be voted on! If due to your personal convictions you feel uncomfortable with casting a deciding vote on this matter, maybe this issue could be better addressed through a vote by the general public.
Thank you for your time!
Anthony Wayne Whisnant