Criticism about Grassley, guns doesn’t hold up

Regarding statements made in Dave Ameling's vitriolic letter of April 29, which pilloried Sen. Chuck Grassley:

Ameling said, “There is no difference between getting a background check to get a commercial driver's license and to purchase a gun.” Yes, there is. Driving is a privilege granted by the states. Gun ownership is a right guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.

He asked, “Which is more dangerous, a driver's license or a gun?” That one's really laughable. The number of people killed or maimed by motor vehicles each year is many times the number of casualties from firearms.

He criticized Grassley because he “... stood on principle.” This constituent is grateful to be represented by that sort of person, instead of someone who panders to the anti-Second Amendment pollsters who phrase their questions to get the answers they want from people who know little or nothing about firearms.

Grassley understands that a poorly written background check law would result in a national registration file and that could enable firearms confiscation by either unscrupulous domestic politicians or foreign invaders. Both have happened in other countries.

To Grassley: Keep up the good work.

Dean Varner

Cedar Rapids