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Political Recommendations On A Gun Control Compromise

Readers' Forum

To The Reader’s Forum:

This is a suggested solution for gun control and mass murders that both sides might be able to agree on.

First of all, aside from the military and law enforcement, guns would be allowed only in specific circumstances (see below). Otherwise, anyone found in possession of any type of gun would be charged with a misdemeanor even if no other crime is being committed, spend one weekend in jail, and be fined $1,000. A second offender would be charged with a felony, spend one month in prison, and be fined $10,000. A third offender would be charged with a major felony, spend 20 years in prison, and be fined $100,000. No exceptions.

Second Amendment supporters feel they have the “right” to bear arms, in their homes and in public, for self-defense. The Second Amendment is over 220 years old and allows people to bear arms for a well-regulated militia (the local and national army of the time). Today, the Amendment needs to be revised or repealed. A large number of guns kept in nightstands for protection are instead used in domestic violence or stolen by teens to commit mass murders at schools. For home safety the government should assist homeowners to install strong security systems with loud sirens, lights, and other devices.

The only specific circumstances where guns would be allowed are for hunters and marksmen, using tradition guns and rifles (no semi or fully automatic weapons allowed). Guns and ammo for them could only be purchased at regional licensed gun shops, located across the country. Each shop would be open 24/7 with three licensed gunsmiths to run the three shifts. Private sales and sales at gun shows would not be allowed anywhere.

Hunters and marksmen would have to get certified at these shops, with thorough background checks through a national computer database. Hunters would still get hunting licenses and go to approved hunting areas just as they do now. Their weapons would be stored in vaults at the gun shops. They would have to sign in with their dates and destinations. If they don’t return their weapons within 24 hours of the projected date, the police would be notified. Marksmen, for target practice or shooting competitions, would sign in, receive their guns from the vault, and compete at a supervised gun range attached to the back of the gun shop. They would return their guns to the vault when finished.

That’s it. I hope both sides could compromise on this solution, to stop our country from leading the world in gun violence.

Lakewood

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