Letter to the editor: Base gun decisions on facts, not emotions

During covid we have been told to follow the science, data and facts for making decisions. I guess such thoughts have been tossed when looking at recent proposed gun control leglislation from Congress.

Universal background checks, magazine capacity limits, “assault weapons” bans have all been done before. The past data on the impact of these is quite clear: They will do nothing to make any of us any safer.

So-called assault weapons are rarely used in crime. Additionally, the studies on them done in 2004 and 2013 found that such a ban would not reduce violent crime.

As to universal background checks, the vast majority of criminals don’t obtain weapons through legal means, and it is already illegal to sell a weapon to someone who can’t legally own one. Does anyone expect criminals to follow the law? Similarly there is no evidence that magazine capacity limits do anything either.

As to removing gun-maker liability protection, they are still liable for the safe manufacture of their products. Should they be made liable for the illegal use, too? If so, should car makers also be held liable whenever someone misuses their products?

Urge your representatives to actually look at some facts/data before giving into emotions on these useless gun control proposals.

Dave Root

Cibilo, Texas

The writer is a former Cranberry Township resident.