The NRA and other anti-gun-control fanatics would like for you to believe that these measures would mean people would have their guns confiscated or that people would not be able to buy or own guns. This is not true; the proposed measures would ban the sale of assault weapons and large magazines. These laws would not keep people from buying or owning most types of weapons.
I don’t believe any true sportsman or hunter would want to use this type of weapon. Assault weapons are intended for use by military or law enforcement personnel.
Many lawmakers keep using the NRA’s old crutch, that we must maintain our Second Amendment rights. After all, when the Second Amendment was written, there were no assault weapons or large ammunition magazine clips. Of course, we don’t know what they really intended, except at that time the country depended on a well-armed militia and people depended on weapons to protect themselves from hostile Indian attacks and provide food for their families.
The Second Amendment has and is being used to extremes to block gun-control measures and justify the purchase and ownership of any type of weapon to satisfy manufacturers and gun dealers. Banning the purchase or sale of assault weapons would not be a violation of Second Amendment rights because people could continue to buy, possess and use many types of guns for sporting purposes or self-defense.
It is not only time, but past time, to pass and enforce reasonable gun-control measures. I know that passing these laws would not guarantee or prevent some misguided, twisted or insane person from obtaining this type of weapon illegally and then using it for violent purpose. But if it stopped only one of these weapons from being used to maim or kill, it would be worth it, especially to prevent the grief and sorrow that results from these attacks.
Lowndes M. Butler
Anniston
