Ernst will protect 2nd Amendment

Rep. Bruce Braley has received an 'F” rating from the National Rifle Association.

Now I understand firearms will get into the hands of the wrong people. I wish we had a way to prevent this.

I was a hospital corpsman in the field in Vietnam in 1969-70, and we had two Marines shot and killed accidentally at close range by other Marines in my company.

The sad reality is that we don't know how everyone can properly handle a weapon and we never will. Attempts to achieve this by way of federal legislation have led only to nonsense laws and increased instances of violence on our streets and in our schools. Ill-conceived laws leave only criminals with guns and normal people without and in danger.

Braley clearly believes (as his 'F” rating reflects) that government can serve as the arbiter of who can exercise their 2nd Amendment rights and who cannot.

He doesn't believe that this is the most effective means of dealing with the relatively small percentage of the population that intends harm. Once again his 'F” rating couldn't possibly support the point more strongly.

Joni Ernst, as a soldier in the National Guard, understands that to discharge a weapon is a serious proposition.

She will demonstrate a responsible and mature approach to protecting our 2nd Amendment rights, while treating seriously the crimes that they can be used to commit.

John H. Erceg

Cedar Rapids