SCPD Member’s Letter to the Editor Published in Akron Beacon Journal

Be reasonable on gun laws

In the May 19 letter “Learn about the true NRA,” the writer urges students to not be misled about gun violence and the National Rifle Association. I suggest that the misleading is being done by the NRA itself.

The absurd notion that any gun law is a violation of rights and freedom seems unique to the NRA. The right to free speech has constraints: One can’t yell “fire!” in a crowded theater. The right to avoid self-incrimination has constraints: If a person is granted immunity he or she must testify.

So the talking point that any law relating to gun use is a violation of freedom is simply not based on the reality of individual rights.

Further, the talking point that any control of guns is useless because there will still be gun violence, if followed to its logical conclusion, would suggest that we not have laws controlling the speed of a car, because people will still speed. Or that laws prohibiting robbery are useless because people will still rob.

Many NRA members are gun owners who also support reasonable gun laws. Those who set their hair on fire at the mention of any kind of gun law whatsoever should maybe stop drinking so much of the NRA Kool-Aid.

Frank Kunstel

Willowick