Gov. Andrew Cuomo and, indeed, many legislators have determined they were elected to lead their constituencies rather than represent them. It seems they know what's best for us and don't need to know what we believe or want. They know what's best for their "children."
The railroading of new legislation without debate of its merits based upon facts, numbers and good social science as opposed to assumptions and beliefs is undemocratic, paternalistic and insulting to the constituents of New York, especially when decided behind closed doors. It is based upon the perceived need to do something, anything, an emotional knee-jerk reaction to consecutive tragedies, rather than the need to try to understand what will or will not work and has or has not worked. Legislators are not the subject-matter experts. The law enforcement agencies, criminologists, behavioral health specialists and constitutional experts are. Let's hear from them.
Definitions of assault-style weapons, high-capacity magazines are frivolous. Seven, 10, 30 or perhaps anything more than one round? Who decides? Legislators who don't know a clip from a magazine?
Governor Cuomo wants to take the lead in doing "something" to further his political career (White House?). He seems to believe he knows what's best for us; therefore, he can make decisions for us. If he ascends to the White House, he will do the same.
WALTER RIVERA
Loudonville