GUNS: Regulating lifestyle choices, but not firearms

Sometimes it is what people do not say that speaks loudest. There is a loud clamor about removing books from libraries and schools that address alternate lifestyles, different sexual identities and other matters that some feel might be harmful to their children. And demands are made about banning the teaching of Critical Race Theory, the history of slavery, the treatment of indigenous peoples, and other issues which some say would make children feel ashamed of being white. Yet, when it comes to the fact that the leading cause of death among children within our nation is guns, there seems to be a sound of sheer silence. Why is this?

The widespread availability of semiautomatic assault weapons, coupled with the ability to openly possess and carry them in public places appears at odds with the life, liberty and happiness as envisioned by our founders — as well as the lives of children. There does not appear to be a practical use for such weapons. The bullets are designed to produce maximum damage to the intended (or unintended) targets, rendering them unsuitable for subsistence hunting. Our government seems willing to regulate lifestyle choices that some disagree with, why not guns? I’m not advocating banning guns, just seeking reasonable safeguarding policies that can help preserve lives.

ERNEST WARNER

Coeur d’Alene