17-year-olds should not have guns

On Jan. 9 in her State of the State address Governor Kim Reynolds said: "Last week, the unthinkable happened in Iowa when shots were fired in the halls of Perry High School, taking the life of 11-year-old Ahmir Jolliff, and injuring seven others."

The shootings in Perry were far from "unthinkable." Gov. Reynolds shamed herself in minimizing what is an everyday experience in the USA! Yes, guns are useful for hunting; necessary for law enforcement and national defense; entertaining for people who enjoy marksmanship; and interesting to those who appreciate the craftsmanship and beauty of a well-designed firearm. But they are a menace in the hands of people unskilled in their use, ignorant of their dangers, who have vile intentions, or cannot master their emotions.

Those concerned about personal safety ought to be able to own a firearm, if they have the practical knowledge of their dangers, the training to use them safely, and the good intent to never use them purely to punish or injure others.

The Constitution’s Second Amendment speaks of guns for "A well-regulated Militia.“ It didn’t mean that everyone (especially 17-year-olds) ought to have a gun to use however they wish.

To heck with Reynolds and others who lack the good intent or character to safely, reasonably regulate the sale and use of firearms to any one, simply because they want one.

Stephen Kemble

Cedar Rapids