“Strict scrutiny” difficult to understand

On May 18, 2019, I heard one of my best friends scream my name while watching me get shot in the face and then me watching him get shot, not knowing who would be taking their last breath. Two 18-year-old boys died that day and another was injured.

I am against Public Measure 1, the reckless gun amendment that is on the Iowa ballot. It reads “The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. The sovereign state of Iowa affirms and recognizes this right to be a fundamental individual right. Any and all restrictions of this right shall be subject to strict scrutiny.”

The wording of “strict scrutiny” on this amendment is almost impossible for most people to understand. This amendment with the words “strict scrutiny” could let dangerous felons possess a gun because of their Second Amendment rights. Now, lawmakers need to only give gun rights to responsible and non dangerous Iowans. If this amendment passes, our shooter, who killed these two kindhearted and loving boys, could have the right to possess a firearm when he gets out. And many other victims’ killers.

I say to you, how many others must die before lawmakers take control of the safety and protection of children, victims, and the community in Iowa? I am asking Iowans to turn your ballot over and vote no on Public Measure 1.

Kayla Panos-Blackcloud

Cedar Rapids