The recent crime study rated Chattanooga 11th in the nation for violent crimes. Again, local governments downplayed the problem. I assume they think that if we deny it and keep ignoring it, it will go away. Also I believe that they think it is bad for tourism and business.

My philosophy is different in that I believe we have to admit the problem and attack it. It is not going to go away but just get worse if we do nothing. An example of this is that since the crime study came out last week two honest, hard-working citizens have been held-up at gunpoint and put in the trunk of their cars in downtown Chattanooga. Because of good police work and through a new, good Chattanooga police chief, the villains were caught, but the police can’t be everywhere.

Since that car/trunk incident, three more citizens have been held-up and shot with a handgun by a youth. In talking with people around town it is obvious that the citizens of Chattanooga are very concerned about this. Sadly, one of the men that was accosted is moving out of Chattanooga because of fear. I am sure there are a lot of people who read all this that will not move here because of the problems.

The first question I believe to ask these mean, young, violent youth once they are caught is, “Where did you get the handgun”? Without the handguns these people are practically harmless.

In my opinion, only the good law-abiding citizen should be allowed to carry a weapon to protect themselves, their property, and their loved ones.

We must get guns out of the hands of robbers, drug dealers and users, gang members, mentally delusional people, and mean, violent youth.

Society has tried to stop the violence through youth centers, counseling, and church work. While those are somewhat good, they are not enough.

We must have tougher laws to stop this influx of crime.

Our Tennessee Legislature for the past few years has passed “feel good” gun laws. They now allow permit gun owners to carry guns in parks, movie houses and bars. While I agree it is good to have law-abiding, responsible citizens have weapons to defend themselves and their loved ones, this is not enough.

I hope our state Legislature will consider not just laws for legal permit gun owners but strong laws to stop illegal gun possession, sales, and gun access to the violent criminals.

Possible new laws:

1. Outlawing gangs by placing them in the conspiracy statute.

2. Make punishment for carrying a weapon for the purpose of going armed more severe. (Presently the Tennessee Law is a Class C Misdemeanor which is only 30 days in jail with 15 days off for good behavior).

3. Toughen up the laws on selling and/or giving guns to minors for the purpose of committing criminal activity.

4. Quit making it so easy to purchase illegal weapons on the streets and at flea markets.

5. Require that there be a background check for the selling of weapons at gun shows.

If these laws were passed, then the police department could set up undercover people as they do in drug stings and stop the purchase of these illegal weapons that are going to these mean people.

Get tough, Chattanooga. Get tough, Tennessee. Get tough, America, or you will lose it.

Judge Russell Bean

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Dear Judge Bean,

Your list of new laws are reasonable, and your rational voice is well received. Many Chattanoogans are upset over the line at the school, but I notice little response over ideas that may cut down on our crime so we can live in a safer city.

It's been a very hot summer. These crimes may awaken more crimes through vigilantes, and it is my hope that our Sheriff and our chief of police can find a reasonable voice inside themselves and share with Chattanoogans some of their ideas.

Since crime is a social phenomenon, crime prevention should be the concern of every person living in society.

Thank you for your voice of reason.

Tammy Greene