I would like to respectfully disagree with the writer of the letter titled "Coverage of handgun bill lacking." I'd like to point out some simple errors. The writer implies that current law doesn't require a person to pass a background check but this new bill does. That's false. All handgun purchasers must pass a federal background check and receive approval before a firearm sale is allowed to proceed. That has been the law for many, many years.
Second, the writer focuses on the requirement for a safety course. While this is certainly beneficial to all handgun owners, and I recommend firearm owners do this, this is not something that would prevent any criminal from obtaining a handgun, or something we should be legislating. And who decides who a "person who poses a danger to public safety" is? Some bureaucrat in an office in Dover? And based on what criteria? If someone truly wants to help prevent those unspeakable mass shooting tragedies, I suggest enforcing the laws that are already on the books and dealing harshly with criminals who illegally acquire firearms, reforming policies that allow persons committing felonies to get back on the streets way too quickly, increasing school safety by assigning more safety resource officers, etc. I'm even willing to entertain suggestions on enhanced background checks, more focus on mental health issues and even closing some of the sections of law that others have called loopholes.
But please don't suggest this bill would reduce crime. It would only make it more difficult for law-abiding citizens to exercise their right to protect themselves, and impose unnecessary fees and bureaucracy. Remember, criminals do not follow the law. So if you believe making them take a safety course and fill out yet another form to purchase a gun will stop them from whatever evil they are planning, I fear we will all be sadly mistaken, and then the ones paying the price will be those very innocents you are trying to help.
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