Assault Weapons Ban
Dear Editor,
I am writing to express my concern over the end to the assault weapons ban that others here at USU have so joyfully embraced. A previous letter complained that the ban should end because the law distinguishes guns based on appearance and not performance-for two guns that have basically the same features, one may be banned based on its looks, while the other gun would not be regulated. This author felt that since the law was ineffective in dealing with this issue, the assault weapons ban should end entirely. Let’s apply this same “logic” to another situation. Two drugs have virtually identical effects of euphoria and hallucination, but also share the same dangers of overdose, brain damage, and addiction. One drug is banned by the DEA because it is a red pill; the other is unregulated because it is a blue pill. If this scenario existed and we applied the above mentioned logic, we should call for an end to all bans on illegal drugs. A ridiculous idea, isn’t it? If laws have loopholes or problems, shouldn’t our legislators work to close loopholes as opposed to simply repealing these laws?
Now, I’d like to discuss the Second Amendment, which guarantees the right to bear “arms.” Now, arms actually means “weapons,” not just guns. If the amendment guarantees the right to own weapons, then shouldn’t we be able to own any weapon? We could order pounds of C4 from amazon.com, or we could get an RPG at WalMart. Imagine how much easier parking would be at USU if you could drive your tank to school? If the US would be much safer from criminals if everyone carried a firearm, wouldn’t we be really, really extra-specially safe if all citizens had their own atomic bombs?
The rights guaranteed by our Constitution are not absolute. We have free speech, but libel and slander laws have consequences for those who would dishonestly abuse others in public. Why should we view the Second Amendment as an absolute right? Common sense suggests otherwise.
Erik Pilgrim 302626330anisopteran@biology.usu.edugraduate studenthome: 792-4580lab: 797-1169