Calls for control of assault rifles

In the news again another shooting this time in California (14 dead, 17 wounded). Shootings in schools, daycares, churches and theaters with names such as Columbine and Sandyhook that we all remember.

From a parking lot in Bellingham seven guns left unattended are stolen out of a pickup truck, including three assault rifles, one sniper rifle and 750 rounds of ammunition for each rifle. The NRA and gun advocates are telling us that if we all had guns and assault rifles that we can somehow prevent these shootings from happening.

I grew up locally and have hunted and owned guns, but I believe these automatic weapons are not hunting rifles, they are weapons of war. If one person can own and leave unattended in a pickup enough fire power to wage a small war I believe we are on the wrong course to make it safe for our children and grandchildren out in our community. If we have to answer the door with an assault rifle just in case the person ringing the bell has one, I don’t believe this is what the Founding Fathers had in mind. Will we wake up only after it happens down the street at our own daycare, school or church?

I believe it is time to stand up to NRA and gun lobby and our elected politicians who I believe are in their pockets. It is time to start discussions on how to control the possession of and stop the flood of these lethal weapons into our society.

This story was originally published December 10, 2015 at 4:01 PM with the headline "Calls for control of assault rifles."