By Paul Harrison
In the wake of more mass shootings we again are seeing the strident call for “sensible gun control” from the usual sources that have been promoting a growing number of gun control schemes for decades.
We hear proposals ranging from bans on certain guns, restrictions on magazine capacity, more background checks, ammunition control, mandatory training, loopholes, and even registration. While these may at first blush seem “sensible” as the old saying goes “the devil is in the details”
Having been involved in the firearms industry for nearly 35 years spanning hunting, competitive shooting, sales, manufacturing, even gun shows. I have an understanding of those “details.” I firmly believe they will have no effect on crime and only lead to further restrictions on our gun rights. We can talk about the details later.
The real issue we need to keep in mind is the threat posed to our liberty. The founders had such a respect for the power of the people and fear of an overpowered government, they specifically listed rights endowed to the people. Can you imagine the uproar if you needed an FBI background check to publish this article or go to your church this weekend?
Despite some attempts to do so, the National Instant Check System (NICS) has not been used to single out or harass gun buyers. Currently the information on approved gun buyers must be destroyed in 20 days making a national registry impossible but that could be changed with a few votes in Congress. However the process to straighten out a wrongly denied gun purchase is nearly an impossible task for the normal person. Gun owners have acquiesced to the NICS checks as they have been made relatively painless, but has the potential benefit outweighed the risk? Have they really stopped criminals from getting guns? Of the touted 2.1 million gun buys stopped by background checks how many have you heard prosecuted? Are we foolish enough to believe criminals gave up and got a job?
I remember a quote from some old movie that said “Our liberty has nothing to fear from the actions of a few deranged individuals. Our liberty should fear the unbridled power of government bureaucracy.”
Paul Harrison, a resident of Houlton since 1975, has been involved in retail sales of guns and ammunition and continued in the firearms industry for 35 years before retiring last year. He can be reached at paharrison1952@gmail.com
