In Congress, a bipartisan bill has been proposed (King-Thompson HR 1565) that would require background checks at gun shows, Internet sales and classified ads but exempts transfer of guns between friends and family. We require background checks in gun stores so why not these other outlets? It is just common sense. Our U.S. Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Camas, has stated she “isn’t committing to any background check changes” and doesn’t have a stance on this bill. Really? Is this what we get? No stance on a common-sense bill? Unbelievable. Well, could we really expect more from Herrera Beutler?
There have been 43 mass shootings in 25 states in the last four years. The Republican mantra on this issue fueled by the “No Reasonable Action” group, otherwise known as the National Rifle Association, is totally shameful. How about a responsible NRA, like it was when I grew up teaching gun safety and marksmanship instead of mindlessly screaming about Second Amendment rights to the detriment of the safety of the public. Common-sense background checks are not a threat to Second Amendment rights except to convicted felons and perhaps the mentally ill.
It would be refreshing to have a leader in our congressional district instead of what we are getting. I’m disgusted with senseless party-line politics.
Lynn Brown
Vancouver