Under the 2nd Amendment we are guaranteed the right to keep and bear arms, nobody in their right mind would deny that.
Recent statements that have been made and bills that have been drafted by federal and state lawmakers are all arguing that military style firearms and high capacity magazines should be banned on the premise that they are not needed for hunting or self defense and can become dangerous in the wrong hands. I would like to agree that military style firearms and high capacity magazines are not necessary for everyday practical purposes, however, neither are high powered cars or 180 proof alcohol. A firearm is a firearm regardless of how it looks, how many rounds of ammunition it holds, or what style of grip it has. Those in favor of restricting certain types of firearms and magazines are in fact attempting to restrict a personal preference in firearms. If we allow the government to restrict our' individual preference in firearms what will be next? Will they regulate or ban what clothes I can wear? How about my personal selection of music or my political or automotive preference? Will I be forced to drive a Dodge because, in the wrong hands, a Ford is dangerous?
In my opinion the gun control debate is null and void based on the above facts. We need to get back to the reason that gun control was brought up in the first place, keeping people safe. The discussion on the national level needs to be shifted from restricting firearms from law abiding citizens through bans and taxation to an increase in individual responsibility of firearms owners. I would fully support any measure that increased firearms safety training, public awareness, brutal repercussions for owners that choose to break the laws that we already have on the books, and a firm stance against negligent owners that could have secured their' arms from falling into the wrong hands but did not.
Thank you and Godspeed
Brian Stevens
