Gun legislation needs to protect all Iowans

The Gazette story on Sunday Feb. 16 “legislators look to enhance their security” says, “there is a bipartisan push behind advancing legislation in the state (Iowa) that would enhance protection for elected officials.”

Until elected officials advance common sense legislation that protects our children in their classrooms, young adults in nightclubs, adults in church, grocery stores and parks as well as American’s across the country (40,000 deaths in 2025 from gun violence of all kinds) elected officials should learn to live with the fear they have wrought by allowing full access to guns with little common sense regulation.

As a U.S. Marine veteran, I support our constitutional “rights,” but rights come with responsibility. Where in current practice is the “well regulated” part of the second amendment? I thought the majority party in control of Iowa government opposed legislation written for “protected classes?” Responsible gun owners have no problem adhering to common sense regulations like we have with automobiles and hunting and fishing licenses. Now that legislators have seen the wild west show they created is a threat, pass common sense gun legislation that protects all Iowan/U.S. and not just your protected class.

Matt Tapscott

Decorah