Gun Violence Prevention Forum 2/4

            A lot of us non-gun owners have been surprised by the vehement defense of the right to use weapons that we understand are not entirely suitable for hunting or self-defense.  We’ve heard that we don’t understand these “modern sporting” rifles, that they are only similar to assault weapons “cosmetically."  Whatever you call these firearms, they can fire as fast as you can move your finger, and are very accurate, making it easy to shoot your target – especially if you are in a small space, such as a classroom.

            As I see it, gun control isn’t about controlling the handgun you have for protection, or your hunting rifles, but about controlling the ways in which criminals procure weapons.  Background checks for all gun purchases make sense.  A tax deduction or other incentive for the purchase of a gun safe, to prevent your weapons from being stolen, makes sense.   A limit to the number of guns you may purchase at once, to prevent those weapons being re-sold at inflated prices to criminals, makes sense.   Keeping your AR-15, or other “modern sporting rifle” safely locked up at a gun range instead of in your home, makes sense.

            Responsible gun owners need to speak up and not obfuscate the issue.  They can either stand in the way of the conversation, or be a part of it.  Who better to offer ideas on how we can make our gun laws safer for everyone?  There will be a public forum tonight, 2/4 at the Redding Community Center at 7:30 PM.  This is your opportunity to join in conversation with your state and federal representatives regarding gun violence prevention, to hear their solutions and to offer yours.  I hope you will make it.