Editor: Regarding the potential “assault weapon” ban being proposed by Democrats at the State Capitol, I have a few concerns.
First and foremost, what is an assault weapon? If those proposing the idea are speaking about an AR-15 rifle, then here are some facts:
#1. The “AR” in “AR-15” stands for “Armalite Rifle,” not “assault rifle.” Armalite is a specific brand, not a type of rifle.
#2. 1,476 people were murdered with knives and cutting instruments in 2019. 4 times more than those killed with a rifle.
#3. 600 people were murdered with hands and feet. Over 1.5 times more than those killed with a rifle.
Why aren’t we discussing banning knives and cutting instruments? Perhaps we should ban hands and feet?
By targeting “assault weapons” with a ban, politicians are slowly weakening our Second Amendment rights with no evidence to justify their action.
The AR-15 — or whatever Democrats define as an “assault weapon” — is not the problem in this country. Politicians should be focused on mental health funding and programs instead of targeting inanimate objects. If it isn’t obvious, criminals tend to not follow laws, and a ban such as this won’t deter evil individuals from committing heinous crimes.
Don’t punish law abiding Colorado gun owners. Focus on mental health. Don’t bring the bill!
— Lynelle Brothers, via letters@sentinelcolorado.com
15, 292 people were killed with guns in 2019. That number does not include suicides. Of course, we know that the presence of firearms makes suicides by gun more likely. And you are more likely to be killed by a gun you keep in your home than you are likely to kill an intruder.
We are the only country on Earth that is that insane.
The issue isn’t whether the gun is an AR-15. The issue is whether we are ever going to do something about the real “American Carnage”.
The rest is mere quibbling.
Lynelle, thank you for repeating the ReTrumplicants talking points. A few questions: how many mass murders were committed with knives, or hands and feet? What sporting purpose does a weapon designed for war serve? Do you know that there is little correlation between mental health disease and gun violence directed at others? In fact, the mentally ill person is much more likely to turn the gun on himself than on others.
Do your homework. Get the facts instead of just parroting the NRA and its Retrumplicant enablers.