First, I must say I am not speaking as the president of the Cape Henlopen Education Association, but as a Delawarean who is passionate about the constitutional rights provided to all American citizens by the Second Amendment.
The issues that face our nation with the recent mass shooting in Florida are not simply about guns, but are much more complex. These conditions have been in the making as a result of societal changes which have occurred over the past several generations. The erosion of family values, the influx of drugs in our society, children of addicts, the stigmas attached to mental health issues, and yes, the availability of guns to those who should not have them – are all contributing factors to gun violence.
Drastically addressing only one issue will not make our society safe from gun violence. We need to address all of these issues.
The recent barrage of legislation introduced over the past several months is nothing more than a knee-jerk reaction by legislators to give the appearance that they have done something.
The reality is raising the age to purchase shotguns and rifles, banning modern sporting rifles, and limiting magazine capacities would have done nothing to prevent any of the past mass shootings, and will do nothing to prevent them in the future. These tactics will only impede and infringe upon the rights of law-abiding citizens.
I am a Democrat who considers myself a moderate liberal. I have several core values, which I have advocated over the past several years with regards to government regulation and oversight.
I do not want the government deciding what women can and cannot do with their bodies; I do not want the government deciding who can marry who; and I do not want the government telling law-abiding citizens what firearms they can and cannot own.
Gun bans simply do not work - that has been proven. From 1994 thru 2004 a nationwide assault weapon ban was in place as well as a ban on magazines holding over 10 rounds.
It was during this time that Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris descended upon Columbine High School armed not with assault rifles but a shotgun and several handguns. They simply changed tools.
Adam Lanza was prevented from purchasing firearms - he tried, but did not want to wait the 14 days his state required for persons not holding a permit to purchase firearms. Failing to secure a weapon legally, he went home, murdered his mother, and stole her rifle. Here was a state that had a waiting period, which did not prevent Lanza from acquiring firearms.
Magazine restrictions have done nothing to prevent or reduce the carnage. Eric Harris at Columbine was armed with a pistol and several 10-round magazines which he discharged 96 times - he simply carried more magazines. Nikolas Cruz carried a book bag full of 10-round magazines when he descended upon Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School - because they were easier to conceal.
With the exception of Nikolas Cruz at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, shooters under the age of 18 - who would not have been able to legally purchase firearms and ammunition in the first place, have carried out all of the major school shootings.
A New York Times article titled "How They Got their Guns" is a compilation detailing several mass shootings over the past 10 years.
The article's main focal point is that most of these firearms were legally purchased - but the devil is in the details.
Several of these incidents were situations where law enforcement had prior knowledge or had received prior information regarding possible mental issues with the shooter. Some of the sales would have been declined if certain law enforcement agencies had properly logged domestic abuse charges or other infractions into the national database prohibiting those people from getting clearance to purchase firearms.
To this end, changes need to be enacted in our gun laws.
First, firearms need to be kept out of the hands of those with mental health issues where such issues would impair the safe and proper use of firearms – without impinging on the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens.
Second, neighboring states need to follow the lead of Delaware and close what has become known as the guns show loophole for purchasing firearms without a background check.
Third, early intervention mental health programs need to be available to school-age children to address behaviors that, unaddressed, may lead to homicidal actions.
Finally, law enforcement agencies need to have the resources to follow incoming leads and tips.
The current legislative proposals in Delaware: raising the age to purchase rifles and shotguns; a ban on modern sporting rifles; and a limit on magazine capacities will do nothing to make anyone safer. In fact, they will only serve to erode the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens, ensuring that only those who should not have weapons will have access to them.
John W. Dean II
Milton
-
A letter to the editor expresses a reader's opinion and, as such, is not reflective of the editorial opinions of this newspaper.
To submit a letter to the editor for publishing, send an email to newsroom@capegazette.com. Letters must be signed and include a telephone number and address for verification. Please keep letters to 500 words or fewer. We reserve the right to edit for content and length. Letters should be responsive to issues addressed in the Cape Gazette rather than content from other publications or media. Only one letter per author will be published every 30 days. Letters restating information and opinions already offered by the same author will not be used. Letters must focus on issues of general, local concern, not personalities or specific businesses.
