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Opinion
The following is presented as part of The Columbian’s Opinion content, which offers a point of view in order to provoke thought and debate of civic issues. Opinions represent the viewpoint of the author. Unsigned editorials represent the consensus opinion of The Columbian’s editorial board, which operates independently of the news department.
 

Letter: More gun laws are not the solution

The Columbian
Published: August 21, 2012, 5:00pm

Individuals should not own assault rifles or machine guns, and the law covers hand guns and concealed weapons, but I see no reason for the gun-grabbers to take away our Second Amendment rights to have rifles and shotguns. I have had guns in my home for over 80 years and never once did one of them threaten me.

However, I had a family member who was mentally ill (paranoid schizophrenic) for 35 of those years and I was certainly threatened by her several times.

When her case worker warned me to never be alone with her, I didn’t think much about it, but when her psychiatrist called with the same message, I took him seriously.

I understand that James Holmes, the alleged shooter in the Aurora, Colo., theater, had seen a psychiatrist but due to the patient confidentiality law, she couldn’t give a warning except to a specific individual, as in my case. Our laws wouldn’t let that doctor warn anyone or maybe even restrain Holmes to prevent this horrible carnage.

Perhaps we should take a very close look at our laws regarding how we handle and treat our mentally ill instead of restricting guns for law-abiding citizens.

Betty Wheeler

Vancouver

We encourage readers to express their views about public issues. Letters to the editor are subject to editing for brevity and clarity. Limit letters to 200 words (100 words if endorsing or opposing a political candidate or ballot measure) and allow 30 days between submissions. Send Us a Letter
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