Regarding the current nationwide hysteria over tightening gun control, I wonder how much of the noise is “hysteria” and how much is genuine” concern.
When I talk to people in the community, there is one general across-the-board question:
Does it work?
Can it? Has it?
I am in favor of having background checks. I believe it is the simplest, most effective change we can make.
That would cover most gun sales, probably 98 percent.
To state the obvious, criminals, small or large, obviously are not going to submit to background checks.
The fringes on both sides, that is where the issues always are.
In Newtown, a background check would not have prevented the massacre.
I come from the perspective of legislation and loopholes. I don’t believe in complicating any kind of legislation. If there is a law, everyone ought to be covered by it.
I believe the proper answer to the present so-called crisis is to demand background checks for all gun buyers and to enforce the present gun laws.
Even from these changes, I believe the reduction in crime would be minimal.
Ninety-nine percent of the people purchasing guns either have it for protection of their homes or they are hunters. A very small percentage are survivalists.
Chicago, we are told, has the toughest gun laws in the country and the highest rate of killings – by gun.
So there.
Enforce the laws we have, and we all will be better off.
Mr. Rose, a two-term former City Councilman, is President/CEO of the Culver City Chamber of Commerce. He may be contacted at ssssteve.rose@gmail.com
