While I was handing out gun-control literature across from the Saratoga Springs gun show, a National Rifle Association member asked to see my handout.
After reading it, he said he agreed with some of the measures proposed, like a ban on guns designed to kill humans, a reduction in the number and capacity of ammunition clips, the annual registration of guns and background checks. He added that gun owners had to accept some of the responsibility for the number and availability of dangerous weapons that are around. I hope other NRA members and gun owners will be as reasonable.
Unfortunately, the media always find the hysterical, slogan-shouting gun owners whom the NRA uses as its shock troops in gun-control discussions. Reduced to its simplest form, non-hunting gun ownership is a form of recreation. No one seriously believes we are so threatened by criminals, terrorists or our own government that we need assault rifles. Similarly, reasonable people can tell the difference between a militia organized and equipped by the states with single-shot muskets and private individuals owning assault rifles and grenade launchers.
We all have accepted restrictions of some of our rights for the public good. That is why we drive on the right side of the road at a legal speed in a vehicle that is registered and conforms to legal requirements, including having a valid driver's license.
Our democracy has made it, so far, because we make changes by majority rule to protect the public's well-being. Any gun owner who insists that the private pursuit of his form of recreation is more important than the public's safety is being un-American.
BOB SWEET
Round Lake