Need help with a LTE, subject - no guns for felons...

[Green Lantern]

And how it makes us feel safe up till we realize that really violent felons can cause harm WITHOUT a gun, even - thus, isn't it better just to keep them locked UP?

A response to a story in the local paper: A guy given a "life sentence" in 1982 was paroled last year, and just recently pretty much caved a woman's face in with his bare hands!

So far:

There was a time when I agreed wholeheartedly with the law that prevents convicted felons from buying guns. But then a man told me once, "if someone is too dangerous to be trusted with a gun, shouldn't that mean he's too dangerous to be walking the streets freely anyway?" The story in last weeks Times Journal, about a savage assault committed by a parolee from a "life sentence," really seems to drive that point home. While the subject of that story certainly does NOT need to be able to own a gun, he was nonetheless able to do a great deal of damage with naught but his bare hands!

So, what would REALLY make society safer? The status quo of letting violent ex-cons roam the street, unable to buy a gun (legally), but still able to commit mayhem any number of ways? Or, a criminal justice system that actually did it's job and kept violent and deranged people locked up until they did not pose a threat? And did such a good job of it that there would be no NEED to deny gun ownership to felons - because they would not be released from prison until they have shown themselves to be willing to be lawful, productive members of society.

 

[cambeul41]

What is the purpose of having a law prohibiting felons from having guns? To protect the public? Do they?

Laws that do not do what they are purported to do should not be laws. Laws that encourage people to be in denial should not be laws. Some felons were never threats to the public in the first place. I have no quarrel with Martha Stuart having a gun if she wants one.

Other felons are threats to the public no matter the law. Hasn't armoredman said, “People ask my why I carry a gun, and I say, ‘I have looked into the face of Evil, and Evil is getting out on parole next Tuesday.’”

 

[Green Lantern]

Update - I made a few minor tweaks and DID get published!

 

[cambeul41]

Congratulations!