This is in response to a letter expressing concern about Big R advertising shotguns in a flyer that was in the newspaper and that “look like AR-15s.” The author decided that this is putting gun rights as a priority over children's rights. In my opinion, respectfully, because I understand the emotion behind these statements, this argument lacks logic and reason. Guns don't have “rights” and they cannot act on their own. A human has to operate it just like any other tool.
Indeed, according to FBI statistics, more people in America are killed by hammers and other blunt objects, and separately by fists and feet than AR-15s. Therefore, the problem exists with people and not guns, or tools or any other inanimate object. We need to return to a condition where we are all teaching our children respect and charity for our fellow humans. The lack of that teaching is part of the problem.
Guns, like any other tool, can be used for both good and bad, and so guns are neither good nor bad. An AR-15-style shotgun in the hands of good people is a very good defensive weapon for a family for many reasons, and I would be happy to explain that to anyone who wanted to know. No one I know wants to put “gun rights” over the primary human rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Interestingly, the Second Amendment is key to supporting those rights.
Charles W. Thompson
Lewis
