But what exactly is gun control? Is control itself not an illusion? Can any sense be made of this morass?
Our constitutional, Second Amendment "right to bear arms" is the oft-recited mantra of the National Rifle Association and gun backers. Let us not forget that with rights come responsibilities. Should there not be severe consequences for irresponsible actions with guns? How about mandatory prison time for any crime committed with a gun? How about requiring the registration of all firearms? How about outlawing all automatic weapons, including bump stocks? For what personal purposes are such deadly weapons needed anyway? How about forbidding the purchase or possession of firearms by those with mental illnesses or those with violence or public assault on their records? Can parents not be more vigilant in their oversight of children and the safe storage of guns, etc.?
And if all the above were enacted, how might they be enforced?
I own several guns. I am a hunter and occasional trap-shooter. I used to use my .22 for target practice. I understand a handgun for personal or home security purposes. Other firearm needs befuddle me.
Let common sense prevail. Again, with rights come responsibilities. It's easy to simply be against something. Can we not agree to take responsible action to curtail gun violence? There must be compromises. As our youth are wisely reminding us, "United we stand; divided we fall!"
Tom Wheeler
Duluth and Tucson, Ariz.
