The Constitution is the document that has guided our nation for more than 200 years. It is tested regularly through a judicial system that has met the many and varied challenges through that same period. It is critical that we protect and respect the rights of individuals guaranteed therein.
That said, there is no wording that guarantees the right to automatic weapons, semiautomatic weapons or handguns. The right to bear arms does not dictate that the individual has the right to own and use every weapon available. Hunters, target shooters and those who want to protect their homes have many choices and can accomplish their objectives without needing automatic and semiautomatic weapons. Long guns with very limited capacity for repetitive firing would allow for the activities detailed above.
Those involved in security would be able to purchase the guns they need under very strict regulations through a secure system, and the manufacture of these could be guaranteed. It is a red herring to reason that those engaged in law enforcement would not be able to have the weapons needed for their important jobs.
Guns do kill. They provide the fear factor that is needed to commit various crimes, and it is time that we construct a safe and sane policy in America. There can be a strong National Rifle Association protecting the rights of gun owners, but the right to own does not have to be as broad as we are made to believe. It is not absolute.
It will take a generation to rid the system of those weapons deemed illegal, but it can be done. Do we care enough to do the right thing?
Rick Rovak • Creve Coeur
