It is time to apply some common sense to our national discussion about gun control. I am well aware that this is a touchy subject for some people. Some people have fears that their hunting guns will be taken from them, others fear for themselves and others who might be on the receiving end of gun violence. So let us start with the dual premise that people should have the freedom to own guns and that people should have the freedom to be protected from gun violence directed toward them. Is it possible for our society to respect both of these freedoms? I believe we can.
As far as the issue of gun ownership goes, the real issue for our society is accountability. To what degree are we, as individual citizens and as a society, willing to be accountable for the weapons in our midst. Consider this comparison. If I choose to own a car and drive it, I must get a license to do so by taking a written test and a performance test behind the wheel. I must license my car with the state, and I must purchase insurance to operate it. If I commit a crime with it, or break the laws regarding its use, society can hold me accountable for it and I may lose the privilege to operate it. Many rules and laws have been enacted to prevent me from hurting others as I exercise my freedom. As individuals and as a society we have chosen to be accountable in this arena. If I choose to own and use a gun, should I be expected get a license by taking a written and operating test? Should I be expected to register my gun? Should I be required to have insurance to cover its use? Should laws be enacted to help protect myself and others in society from being hurt from its misuse? Is gun ownership less lethal than car ownership? Both cars and guns are powerful instruments, and can be weapons that kill others. Why is it so acceptable to regulate one, and it so unacceptable to regulate the other? There are well meaning people who will say, “It doesn’t matter if there are laws on the books or not, if a criminal or a crazy person wants to hurt others they will.” That is true, but there is a difference in degree. It is also true that if a criminal wants to commit a crime of violence, that crime of violence will be much more destructive if done with a semi-automatic weapon than done with a revolver, or a knife. It is common sense to agree to place limits and protections on this industry just as we have done on other industries. Now is the time to ignore the political influence of the big organizations and businesses who have motivations to protect their own self interests (which are not necessarily our society’s best interests). Now is the time to use our common sense and work together to protect the rights and freedoms of all - those who want the freedom to have guns to hunt, and those who want the freedom to be protected from gun violence.
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Time for Common Sense AgainCommon sense commmentary by Joel Kreger (unless noted and credited to a guest writer) Archives
November 2018
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