I have followed articles in the Phoenix about proposed additional gun control bills in Rhode Island. It seems to me the people behind this have no idea what a responsible gun owner is. The emphasis is on creating laws that punish gun owners and have no punishment factor for criminals, because they don’t care.

In 1988, there was a shooting at Bristol High School. I had the shooter in class two days before this tragic action. All the bills proposed at that time had no effect on the outcome.

We have had many school shootings, and all the laws in the country would not have stopped them. A bill introduced amounts to nothing more than a politician looking to prove they actually make an effort to do something. How about working on the Veterans’ Home?

When I studied the U.S. Constitution in college and covered the Second Amendment, it was clear at that time the country wanted to produce a militia in a heartbeat for defense. Everyone had and carried a weapon for protection and hunting. The clause states: “the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.” The right to bear Arms section refers to your right to carry a weapon.

The laws have removed that right. Any war veteran should be given a carry permit, after additional training. Our police officers ride solo, and by the time backup arrives it could be too late. Picture a police officer in distress downtown and four veterans provided assistance.

Back during World War II it had been said that Adm. Yamamoto made a statement saying: “I will never invade the United States. Behind every blade of grass is a gun.” It has been questionable as to whether he really said that, but that is not the point.

You are all protected by the 1 percent who volunteer to serve, and most are somewhere else in the world. If you don't have or like guns, that’s your right, but a law abiding citizen should not be restricted. I know if I saw a police officer in distress I would throw rocks if I had to.

Steve Skuba
Bristol