New open carry law for 18-year-olds stirs plenty of debate across the Palmetto State | Opinion

Gun law makes no sense

There must be something inherently wrong with our state legislators.

The new open carry gun law allows citizens 18 years older and above to openly carry firearms.

Firearms are one of the deadliest instruments one could have on their person at any time.

This open carry law contradicts South Carolina’s law concerning underage citizens’ restrictions of buying or the use of alcohol or tobacco.

Under-age people cannot purchase these items legally. Yet on the other hand they will be allowed to openly carry a firearm.

Since this open carry gun law passed, state legislators should rescind the purchase of alcohol and tobacco restriction on underage citizens. This just does not make a lot of sense.

Prime example: “Southern Miss quarterback John White arrested during Spring Break. Florida sheriff’s department confirms White was arrested for underage drinking.” Although Mr. White was not driving at the time, it shows a stark contradiction.

Is drinking or smoking deadlier than carrying a loaded weapon at the wrong age?

Eugene McKie, Aiken

Law honors Second Amendment

I read with interest that South Carolina was loosening gun laws.

After reading the article and the negative responses of the politicians and law enforcement toward “loosening” gun laws, I realized that just the opposite has happened.

Our new gun laws fit much more tightly with the United States Constitution and especially the Second Amendment.

The Founders realized that it is the right of each adult to carry firearms for protection of crime from individuals and government tyranny.

It is also refreshing to see that South Carolina is now recognizing 18-year-olds as adults.

For years, 18-year-olds have been trusted to carry a weapon in combat, but not free to do such in their own home state of South Carolina.

We should all feel much safer with the ability to freely protect ourselves.

Congratulations are in order to our lawmakers and to Governor McMaster.

Lesley Edwards, Columbia

Referendum needed on these jobs

This week the S.C. House passed its version of the state’s $13.2 billion spending plan.

I doubt many members of the public know just exactly how representatives decide to spend our money.

S.C. House member Chris Murphy, R-District 98, proposed an amendment to appropriate $1.2 million to the Office of the State Treasurer for audit support. That is in addition to the $3 million being allocated to the Dept. of Administration to hire an outside auditing firm to sort out the treasurer’s $3.5 billion dereliction of duty.

The amendment was adopted unanimously without a single member questioning it.

Treasurer Curtis Loftis has repeatedly whined that he is not responsible for the mess. Why would he need a cool million to “fix a problem” that he is not in charge of?

We need a referendum on the ballot in November to remove the treasurerand comptroller offices from being elected positions.

We need qualified, technically-proficient, industry experts in these critical governmental roles.

Ronnie J. Kier, Batesburg-Leesville

Fund our allies

Congress needs to act, not talk.

The Greatest Generation bought 70+ years of relative peace to Europe and Asia.

Don’t sacrifice their sacrifice.

Enact funds for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, now, not months from now.

History will repeat itself if we don’t support those who need our support.

Jeffrey Baldwin, Columbia

This story was originally published March 17, 2024 at 6:00 AM with the headline "New open carry law for 18-year-olds stirs plenty of debate across the Palmetto State | Opinion."