Letter: Armed guards a Hilton Head puzzle

I read with interest a recent article that referred to most security guards in the Hilton Head Island residential developments carrying guns.

It has taken me quite a few years to come to terms with this. Guns are expected when people are guarding money, such as delivery to a local bank, or where valuables are in danger of theft. But I see no purpose or need for such policy when you are simply driving into some community to visit a friend.

As if that’s not enough, in certain situations not only do you sit in your car looking at a firearm in the security guard’s belt, but you are also required to show a photo ID. What a great way to welcome visitors to our island.

This is quite beyond my understanding. I might be able to see some indirect need to show the security staff who I am, but why they should also look on me as some type of threat requiring the use of a gun is at best rather over-the-top, or to be more precise, a touch dramatic.

Do we live in such a dangerous location that we need security guards to wear guns and view any visitor as a threat to the community? I think the only people who would be pleased to see this policy would be certain NRA members who think we all should carry guns to protect ourselves.

I would suggest that the whole thing is overkill. No pun intended.

This story was originally published February 28, 2016 at 7:49 PM with the headline "Letter: Armed guards a Hilton Head puzzle."