Letter to Editor by James Earl Tannehill

Opinion

August 20, 2012

Letter to Editor by James Earl Tannehill

From submitted reports Submitted report The McAlester News-Capital Mon Aug 20, 2012, 05:23 PM CDT

McALESTER — Editor:

I just can’t understand the mentality of people and politicians who, in the wake of gun killings such as the recent tragedy in Colorado, are calling for more gun control. We don’t blame pencils for misspelled words or spoons for people who are overweight. More gun control will only impede the honest and law abiding citizens’ ability to purchase and have the security of owning a firearm.

Drugs are illegal, but we all know the laws don’t work. Law enforcement does what it can, but it’s an epidemic. More firearm restriction will just create a black market situation and the bad guys and kooks will still have access.

Hey, let’s outlaw automobiles and we won’t have any more drunk drivers. (Now wasn’t that stupid?) Same difference if you think about it. What’s the definition of an assault weapon? A bar stool, golf club, baseball bat, if you beat someone to death with it. Let’s ban knives and no one will get stabbed. Where does it all end?

I feel it’s a society issue, not a gun issue. Firearms are great defenders on the side of right. You never see a press release that says, the presence of a gun prevented a robbery, rape, or home invasion, but it happens every day.

I choose not to be a victim if I can help it, and want to have the option to defend myself and loved ones if necessary. Three-hundred million Americans go through each day not robbing a liquor store or shooting anyone. Yet they are the ones who will be inconvenienced and bound by further restrictions. The bad guys won’t lose on ounce of sleep over it. Enforce the laws already on the books, and enact swift and severe justice to anyone who commits a crime with a gun.

James Earl Tannehill,

McAlester

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