Deceit On The Part Of Those
Who Should Know Better

During the week of March 10, 2008, Tennessee Media Outlets [newspapers, T.V., and radio], reported that the Tennessee Sheriff's Association and other groups who make up the Tennessee Public Safety Coalition, opposed House Bill 410.  These media outlets based their articles on a letter they received from the Tennessee Public Safety Coalition [ view letter ].  This letter was signed by:

One (1) Tennessee Police Director
  Memphis Police Director Larry Goodwin

Three (3) Chief Law Enforcement Officers
  Sheriff Mark Lutrell, Shelby County 
Sheriff Normal Lewis, Montgomery County
Chief of Police Ronal Serpas, Metro Nashville

Four (4) Officers of the Court
Terry Johnson, Nashville District Attorney
Bill Gibbons, Shelby County District Attorney
Randy Nichols, Knoxville District Attorney
Mike Dunavant, District Attorney-25th Judicial District
It is unfortunate that these high ranking people in Law Enforcement and the Judicial System, are attempting to hood-wink members of the Tennessee House of Representatives.  Here are some facts about this letter these individuals signed on March 11, 2008:

►The Tennessee Sheriff's Association has not authorized the use of their association name in opposition to House Bill 410.

►The Tennessee Sheriff's Association has not held a vote by their members on House Bill 410.

►This letter is misleading regarding guns in bars "allow persons to carry guns into bars" (1st paragraph 1st sentenance) .  House Bill 410 does not allow this to occur.  Establishments must receive 60% of their income from the sale of food, and handgun permit holders shall not consume alcohol.

This letter is a blatant attempt to mislead the general public and members of the Tennessee House of Representatives.

Tennessee Handgun Permit Holders (190,012), have shown that since the passage of this law in 1994, they have remained respecteful of  the laws of Tennessee and the thirty-four (34) other states that honor the Tennessee Handgun Permit [view states].  Very few Handgun Permits have been revoked because of criminal activity.  

This letter from the Tennessee Public Safety Coalition is a slap to the face of all 190,012 Tennessee Handgun Permit Holders.   They do not derserve this type of treatment from their public officials. 

It is unfortunate that this type of deceit has been shown by individuals who represent such high levels in both Law Enforcement and the Judicial sector.


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