I wrote a letter to the editor today (The Daily Herald)...my first letter to the editor thank you very much. I was compelled to write the letter because two people in our very middle class and supposedly safe part of the world were gunned down. One was about 2 miles away from my house. Needless to say, I am not pleased. So, take a gander and tell me what you think.
Dear Sir
In the light of the recent murders in our area, I feel compelled to write about the necessary evil of gun control. I say necessary evil because the thought of gun control truly bothers me. Guns, for better or worse, are a citizen's final and absolute check against government tyranny. This said, guns are also the final and absolute answer to a minor argument, grievance, or most tragically, innocent play. It is the responsibility of our elected representatives to thoughtfully devise laws that at one point ensure a reasonable adult's access to guns, and at the same time, make sure that the criminal, the mentally ill, or the young do not have access to guns.
One particular class of weapon is worthy of the most extreme legislative action. Assault weapons, those guns that are fully automatic and serve one purpose and one purpose alone, the destruction of as many human lives as possible, should not be allowed in the hands of the public. From the outset, one must question the intentions of someone who wants a fully automatic weapon. Hunting? Target practice? Skeet? Personal protection? Maybe personal protection...if you are in the streets of Baghdad.
Some may argue that an assault weapons ban is the first step on the "slippery slope" of total prohibition. This would be unlikely, especially in this country. The United States had an assault weapons ban, and people were still able to get any number and type of gun. We have the second amendment, which ensures our access, our well-regulated access to weapons.
By no means do I want to marginalize those who are concerned with a "slippery slope". Their voices are an important part of the debate and help hold our politicians accountable. I am concerned with the smallest minority of gun advocates who claim not to know what an assault weapon is, and therefore create some self-serving and flimsy justification for no regulation. Matt Murphy, the Republican candidate for the 27th Illinois Senate District, is among that rank. Mr. Murphy, who by the way owns no guns, is against an assault weapons ban (and is also a recipient of the NRA's endorsement for the senate seat). Instead of taking a stand and acknowledging the need to keep Assault Weapons off of our streets and away from our children, Mr. Murphy would rather plead ignorance and accept a check from the National Rifle Association.
Of course, Mr. Murphy is entitled to his opinion and to serve whatever special interests he sees fit. I do believe that his positions, particularly on assault weapons are extreme and indicative of someone who could not represent the interests of our children, our families, and our community. Mr. Murphy positions, particularly on assault weapons, are too extreme for our district.
Quoting Olbermann quoting Murrow "Good night and good luck"