Letter: We CAN do something about guns in America

Posted 11/1/17

I found Stan Peckham’s recent letter (“ Gun violence: Face it, at present there is no solution ”) rationalizing our society’s and government’s laissez-faire attitude to …

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Letter: We CAN do something about guns in America

Posted

I found Stan Peckham’s recent letter (“Gun violence: Face it, at present there is no solution”) rationalizing our society’s and government’s laissez-faire attitude to gun violence and his assertion that there is no solution to be objectionable. I disagree with him in the strongest terms. 

No doubt that there are multiple factors that contribute to the extremely serious level of gun violence in our country and Mr. Peckham lists many of them. However, he left out two primary causes: his, and others’, complacent acceptance of fratricide as normalcy and many of our politicians’ self-interested disservice to the citizens they serve.

It is not acceptable for us to accept his assertion that we should not do anything about it. There are sensible steps that can and should be taken.

These include: requiring citizens to register guns; requiring a license to own a gun including an adequate background and competency test; requiring gun owners to secure insurance to own a gun; removing the singular exclusion of gun manufacturers and gun stores from liability from their actions; making assault rifles, cop-killer bullets and large ammunition cartridges illegal and limiting the sale of guns through gun ‘shows’ and the internet. 

If you contrast this by example to requirements which we all accept routinely to own and drive a car, it adds perspective. All cars are registered, drivers are licensed, pass tests and have insurance. Automobile companies are liable for their actions and there are sensible codes for consumer product safety. 

I can’t fathom why any responsible gun owner would find these objectionable given the horrific tragedies we have endured. If they have a legitimate need to own a gun, why not want to take steps to ensure their safer use. 

Let’s face it, gun violence is a leading cause of death in America. This is unique to our country and is and has been limited in other countries with sensible approaches. History (and indeed the world community) view us as a nation that allowed domestic terrorism to murder our children and each other. 

I strongly reject the argument that nothing can be done about this. People like Mr. Peckham are part of a broader societal pathology that rationalizes inaction. Likewise, our politicians have failed in their primary responsibility to protect our citizens’ right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We all should rail against this complicit apathy and demand that sensible actions are taken.

Steve Kloeblen

Hope Street, Bristol

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