I read with interest James King’s letter to the National Rifle Association in the March 24 News-Herald. When I finished, I found that I had many questions that I wished Mr. King would have addressed. Perhaps he could be persuaded to write a follow up.
For starters, Mr. King, you asked the NRA to take a stand against “automatic assault type rifles.” Are you not aware that automatic assault rifles have been severely restricted in this country for over 50 years and virtually illegal for over 20?
I’m guessing you really mean what are frequently referred to as semiautomatic sporting rifles. Correct? These generally fall into two broad categories depending on what they look like. Once again I’m guessing you really mean the black, tactical, military style rifles and not the semiautomatic hunting rifle that the average non-hunter would have a hard time distinguishing from the walnut stock, carbon steel barrel, bolt-action rifle you probably use for deer hunting. But does this make sense? They both operate in exactly the same way. One trigger pull – one shot fired. Can you make an argument in favor of banning a weapon based on its cosmetic appearance?
Perhaps, more logically, you want to ban all semi-automatic rifles. Is that what you’re saying? Or maybe you just object to the high capacity magazines that are typically associated with these rifles. I see that hunting-style semi-autos can come with magazines holding 10 or more bullets. What would you dictate the right/safe number before making them illegal? Considering that anyone handy with a tin snips and ball-peen hammer can make their own, how would you enforce this, exactly? Or maybe you want to ban all semi-automatic guns, period. I happen to own a couple of semi-auto handguns that I would never use for hunting. One has a magazine holding 10 bullets, the other 16. Do you want to take these away from me?
Once you define exactly which weapons you want to ban, what do you propose to do about the millions of semi-auto guns already in the hands of law-abiding citizens? Are you considering a government-forced buy-back? Or perhaps, door-to-door confiscation? Do you think that could happen without serious blowback? Maybe even a civil war? Please explain. Being an NRA member, I’m sure you are familiar with the 2nd amendment to our constitution. Our forefathers stated that this right “shall not be infringed.” Why do you think they said that? To protect hunters’ rights? For the purpose of home security? What’s your understanding of the purpose this right?
Finally, did you really send that letter to the NRA? Do you think they really care whether you renew your membership? Along this same line, have you ever heard the term “virtue signaling”? Please do write again. We await enlightenment.
Daryl Popkes
Gunflint Trail
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