Letter: Gun law changes are warranted

In his Feb. 17 column 'Weakening gun laws raises risks,” Jeremy Brigham twists the intent of proposed legislation.

Objecting to HF 2042, he claims people under 14 shouldn't handle firearms. By that age, many youngsters are proficient hunters or target shooters and own guns. They began 'handling” years earlier.

The HF 2043 silencer law isn't necessarily a means to protect shooters' hearing. Its genesis was complaints from non-gunners who objected to noise.

HF 2044, allowing gun sales during states of emergency, is just common sense. That's when citizens need them to protect against looters and marauders. This strengthens, rather than weakens, law enforcement efforts to maintain order.

HF 2057 doesn't allow anyone to use a weapon while intoxicated. It just says you can have a drink or two, even in a bar, just like you can when driving a car.

HF 2066 says you can carry a gun on a ATV. It doesn't say you can shoot ' ... in the neighborhood of homes ...” Again, just like automobiles.

He doesn't like HF 2129 because he couldn't have instant access to the names of permit holders. Why should he?

The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states that the right of citizens to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. All firearms laws constitute infringement. There are hundreds on the books and gun owners, in an attempt to compromise, try to comply with them. Brigham admits, 'Iowa has fairly decent laws and a very low gun homicide rate ...”

He should find another windmill at which to tilt.

Dean Varner

Cedar Rapids