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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.
News / Opinion / Letters to the Editor

Letter: Gun laws irrational, uncivilized

By Ron Sturgeon, Vancouver
Published: September 14, 2024, 6:00am

Here we go again. Another mass-casualty shooting grieves families, a school, a community and our nation. Families and students will never regain a full sense of security. Exposing Americans to this preventable tragedy is unconstitutional. (Read the Preamble to our Constitution.)

Our spineless Supreme Court majority repeatedly fails to read the Second Amendment as one (not two) amendments under the preamble’s clear statement of purpose. Requiring national standards for gun possession is consistent with our Constitution’s original intent. Common sense, morality and faith demand that we stop the senseless slaughtering and terrorizing of Americans. Guns are not toys.

After World War II, the Japanese, with help from American occupiers, got gun management right. Japan has three national standards for personal gun possession: 1. A reasonable purpose; 2. A person of sound mind and temperament; and 3. Adequate training in handling, using and storing firearms. Japan rarely suffers gun casualties. Too many guns in the wrong hands make us less safe.

Sadly, we Americans appear less rational and less civilized than the Japanese.

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