" private citizens should not be encouraged to use deadly force. A few hours of trainging does not qualify someone to take the law into their own hands. Also, innocent bystanders can't be protected when people, even those who feel justified, start shooting "

" To Chris: No one is encouraging anyone to use deadly force. What they are encouraging is the ability to protect one's self from those who threaten their life. No one is talking about taking the law into one's hands either. It is called self defense Chris. If it was anything else it would be against the law. You are correct, inoccent bystanders cannot be protected from the criminal who starts shooting. Unless of course, a law abiding citizen has the means to stop the criminal doing the shooting. "Even those who feel justified?" You better hope you don't find yourself or your family in a life threatening situation where your only hope may have been this law passing. Maybe our police officers should only carry a club too because if they start shooting to stop a criminal, innocent bystanders can be hurt. The reason for this law is when a crime is being committed, the police aren't there until after the crime is over. Unfortunately that is when it is too late in many cases. "

" Yes, They should pass concealed carry law. If criminals know that you might me wearing a gun they would be more warry. It has been proven in interviews with inmates that this is true. Gun control is no control!! "

" Yes! It is already my right to protect myself. Let's make it a reality. "

" To Doug: Just because you may be carrying a weapon does not automatically give you the right to enforce the law by shooting at a criminal committing a crime. You are not qualified in making those kind of judgements, only a trained law enforcement officer is. You are more likely to escalate the incident. As to a criminal is less likely to attack you if they think you may be carrying is also false. It is a premise put out by gun fanatics. I have done volunteer work with inmates and they state that if they thought a person had a concealed weapon or was trying to protect themselves by reaching for a weapon, they wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger. A bullet is much faster than you unless you are superman. "

" It should DEFINATELY pass!!! Those against it REALLY need to research concealed carry!! In EVERY and I mean EVERY state that has the right to carry the violent crime rate has gone DOWN!!!! There is NO argument against it that holds any merit at all!!! PERIOD!!!!!!! "

" Who said anything about enforcing the law? We're talking self defense. We all have a right to self defense whether the politicians want to recognize it or not. For some reason, people have the weird idea that CCW is some kind of "license to kill." The application of deadly force is a very serious matter. For too many of us, on both sides of the issue, simply do not understand the legal and ethical use of deadly force. LB 454, if it becomes law, will go a very long ways to educate the public just when and if deadly force is justified. And as with most issues, education is key. I applaud the Unicam's efforts thus far. Legal carry has been a success in other states. There's no reason it won't be in Nebraska. "

" If, as its proponents allege, the concealed weapon proposal offers the possibility of a reduction in violent crime, why do profesionals in NE's law enforcement oppose the bill? Perhaps because they know it will escalate violence. Perhaps they also know that most of the research offered in support of concealed weapons is flawed analysis. If the bill passes, handguns ought to be treated the way we treat automobiles: an annual fee (of at least $250) to pay for a required "license tag" and registration. "

" D. Krane, In what state or states has legal CCW "escalated violence?" What supports your opinion that the "research offered in support of concealed weapons is flawed analysis?" Please cite the study and/or source of your information. Missouri's experience with CCW as reported by the St Louis Post Dispatch. (Too long to cut n' paste here.) http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stlouiscitycounty/story/DBC9209BC0F3521E862571190064AB9B?OpenDocument "

" D. Kane, why the high renewal fee of "at least $250"? Do you feel that poor people are less likely to be good, honest, law abiding citizens? Do you feel that their lives aren't worth protecting? Are the "rich" better people in your estimation? Should only they be allowed the means to protect their lives as they see fit? "

" For those that think passing LB454 is wrong I want you to realize. Today it is legal in Nebraska for me to carry a concealed weapon if I feel the need, i.e threatened or performing dangerous work that a person may wish this extra protection. LB454 requires training for individuals that would carry concealed to help stop problems "even (when) those who feel justified, start shooting" "

" I used to live in Nebraska and now live in Oklahoma and have a concealed handgun license. When Oklahoma's concealed carry law was introduced in the mid 90s, some people were saying that it would increase violence and turn minor traffic accidents into shootouts. Well the exact opposite happened. There have been countless incidents of CCW permit holders defending themselves, saving lives and even saving police officers who were being attakced. CCW laws work because it allows law abiding citizens to defend themselves and family aginst ruthless thugs who already carry weapons and could care less about the law. During a violent attack, 911 cant help you and the police cant be everywhere at once. I think it is time Nebraska got on board with the rest of the country with concealed carry. "

" Why shouldn't law abiding citizens be allowed to carry a weapon? The law will subject people to be fully trained and background checks will be applied. After all ... regardless, the criminals will always have access to weapons of choice to prey on the weak. Simply, we do have the right to keep and bear arms. I am a Vietnam Era Veteran, one time policeman and a life time NRA member. "

" Live by the sword. Die by the sword! Good Luck to all. Just maybe the thugs are the proponents of this bill. Something to reflect on, If thats possible. What goes around comes around. Becareful what you wish for. "

" I've always thought that "Law abiding" American citizens should be able to carry concealed weapon. How many times have you been in a situation where you feel uncomfortable?? Sure would have been nice to had a little insurance. And there is never an officer of the law around, they can't be everywhere all the time. You don't have to look to far to find in the papers where someone has been raped, robbed, attacked in one way or another. Ask them whether they would like to have CCW. The whole idea of CCW is that you hope you never have to use it. Do you not put insurance on your home, car and other possessions?? Then why not a little insurance for your family and yourself. Makes sense to me. Plus the facts that a lot of you have already stated, criminals are less likely to bother people in states where the possibility of the victom could be carring a weapon. I don't care for the high cost suggested for the licence, but it would sure discriminate against the people with lower income. But since our elected officials can vote themselves in a rise anytime they want I'm sure it won't affect them from getting a licence to carry. Myself, if I could jump through all the hoops they require, would have to pick up some work on the side to purchase the licence. I think in the long run it would be a good to pass LB454. "

" For the last three years before moving back to nebraska I carried in florida. Thankfully I was never in a situation where It would be justified for me to unholster my weapon. The bottom line is to keep and bear arms is a right given to americans on march 4th 1789 when the consitution of the United States went into effect. The police can not always prevent you from being attacked and or killed over a wallet. They are the ones who knock on the door of the new widow. "