What exactly is "gun control?" (Is "control" itself not an illusion?)
Can any sense be made of this morass?
Our constitutional "right to bear arms" — aka the Second Amendment — is the oft-recited mantra of the NRA and gun backers.
Let us not forget, however, 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 and bump stocks — for what personal purposes are such deadly weapons needed anyway? How about forbidding the sales or possession of firearms by those with mental illnesses or with violence or assaults on their records? Can parents not be more vigilant in the oversight of children or in the safe storage of firearms, etc.?
And if all of the above were enacted, how might they be enforced?
I own several guns. I am a hunter and occasional trap shooter. I use to use my .22 for target practice. I understand a handgun for personal use or home security. Other firearm needs befuddle me.
Let common sense prevail: 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.
