NORMAN — Editor, The Transcript:
The current attention concerning gun control has bombarded us with emotional pleas and statistics that are probably skewed in favor of the side that is offering them. That seems to be the way most political information is presented to us, the general public.
I would like to offer yet another set of opinions as one who considers himself a middle of the road American.
I do own guns, and I love to hunt. I consider that not a right, but a privilege that I treasure. I personally do not own what I would consider an assault weapon. I honestly believe most American gun owners are much like me.
Unfortunately, the ban on assault weapons, if it is like the previous one ushered in by Bill Clinton, would likely include my deer rifle and my old quail shotgun. We are not told the whole truth.
The transparency promised by our current president has proven to be a blatant lie to the American public (see health care). Obama’s gun control and the NRA are at the extreme ends of the spectrum. Most of us are in the middle and do not agree completely with either viewpoint.
The old quote of “when guns are outlawed only outlaws will own guns” is worth serious consideration. If we disarm America we stand to be the victims of uncontrolled crime. We have all heard the stories of law abiding New Orleans homeowners, who, after their guns were confiscated by order of their government, were ransacked by gangs.
It is very sad that many of us who live in the land of the free and the home of the brave live in fear, and that gun provides them a sense of security. There are many more that harbor a healthy distrust of their own government.
There have been heartbreaking tragedies by those using guns as their weapon.
There have also been many lives lost by those using fertilizer and airplanes as their choice of weapon. Assault is a behavior, not a device.
The bottom line is our world has way too many people that are mentally unstable or filled with hate that are willing to hurt others.
Change that and gun control, armed guards, and even homeland security will not be a point of discussion. Maybe we the people should write a bill, with no loopholes, no hidden agenda, and no pet projects added.
I would be willing to bet that even the NRA would agree to reasonable ideas, like more diligent background checks and serious required gun safety classes, if there was assurance that the law wouldn’t be modified by the anti gun extremists. Remember, gun control is not about guns, it’s about control.
Maybe for once, just once, common sense should prevail.
Mike Barnett
Norman
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