Rights inherently come with responsibilities, and we are sorely lacking in the responsibility department. We need responsible people on both sides of this issue to come together, who can start moving forward legislation that places accountability with ownership. I respect our 2nd amendment rights. I have my CCP. But I was responsible enough to remove guns from my home when it wasn’t appropriate to have them, and when I knew someone I loved was at risk.
If 2A advocates took this seriously they would be the ones at the forefront of writing responsible legislation, and setting the examples we need to see.
- No guns in schools
- Implement stricter penalties against owners whose unsecured firearms are part of an injury or criminal action
- Gun control is necessary. We are ALL able to recount stories about how gun access and use have irrevocably changed the lives of someone, whether directly, in our social circle, or in our community. Prayers and platitudes mean nothing without action and accountability. You have to decide whether you are a part of a solution, or part of a growing problem.
- I support adherence and enforcement of federal restrictions on firearms. Implement red flag laws for domestic abuse, protective orders, mental illness, suicidal ideation
- Second Amendment rights are not going away, and there is no slippery slope for us to go down. Reasonable gun legislation requires that all parties are on board to write and enact.
- Certain firearms manufactured for security/police/military use, and accessory modifications that enable rapid-fire should have sales restrictions. There is no justification for these weapons in civil society. Firearms for hunting, sport/competition, and personal defense should not be restricted.
- Restrict closed carry to permits only. Implement more routine re-qualification and re-certification for permit holders (people who carry should be responsible and capable of using a firearm)
- Implement new gun safety/training that is not based on NRA certification
- Implement universal background checks for gun shows and private sales
MY SURVEY RESPONSES
- 2024 Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate questionnaire (submitted)
- 2024 NRA-PVF Utah Candidate Questionnaire (answered, but not submitted)
The NRA will rate me with an “F”, and I’ll be proud to state that. I give them an “F” for losing their identity and turning into a fear-fueled out-of-control PAC for the gun industry. - I have an inquiry sent to the new pro-gun lobby “Secure Our Freedom Alliance” but suspect they are just the NRA with a new name. Hoping to provide more information when they respond.
WHY IT MATTERS
I grew up in rural Alaska in a hunting and trapping family; lived in the East Bay, California for 10 years, and have spent the last 23 years here in Utah. I had a childhood friend killed by his brother because they were playing with unlocked guns in their house. At my first job I was one of two assault victims where a person used a gun. I have extended family who have been attacked and shot, or killed. In the East Bay I had co-workers who were killed or seriously disabled in drive-by shootings. I had a much-revered teacher who committed suicide with a gun. Since living here in Utah I have had a co-worker who committed suicide with a gun, and there have been multiple child fatalities in my own neighborhood from access to unlocked guns. I haven’t even mentioned school shootings, mass shootings, road rage incidents, or brandishing.
Articles
- Utah representative proposes bill to allow 18- to 20-year-olds to openly carry firearms (ksl.com, 09/30/2024)
- The True Costs of America’s Gun Obsession (nytimes.com, 09/29/2024)
- Biden, Eyeing His Legacy, Signs Executive Orders on Gun Safety (nytimes.com, 09/27/2024)