Guest Editorial: Argument over Assault Weapons - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

Guest Editorial: Argument over Assault Weapons

Posted: Updated:

  • Editorials

  • Thursday, May 23 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-05-23 23:20:04 GMT
    Anyone who takes advantage of one of Alabama's most treasured assets – the elderly – should face swift and steep consequences.  Thanks to a bill passed in the final hours of most recent legislative session that
    Anyone who takes advantage of one of Alabama's most treasured assets – the elderly – should face swift and steep consequences.  Thanks to a bill passed in the final hours of most recent legislative session that

  • Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-05-21 23:20:08 GMT
    The horrific tornadoes that ripped through Oklahoma this week bring back all too familiar memories for Alabamians as memories of April 27, 2011 are still fresh in many minds. When Alabamians were in need
    The horrific tornadoes that ripped through Oklahoma this week bring back all too familiar memories for Alabamians as memories of April 27, 2011 are still fresh in many minds. When Alabamians were in need

  • Thursday, May 16 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-05-16 23:20:04 GMT
    In my editorial on Tuesday I chided our legislators for being the last state to pass a no-brainer  bill legalizing home brewing.  Today I want to challenge them to be one of the first states to pass another no-brainer;
    In my editorial on Tuesday I chided our legislators for being the last state to pass a no-brainer  bill legalizing home brewing.  Today I want to challenge them to be one of the first states to pass another no-brainer;
    •   
MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) -

The anti-gun firestorm over so-called "assault weapons" exploits fear, especially among people unfamiliar with firearms. Misinformation promoted by the anti-gun lobby fuels the fire. 

In truth, those jurisdictions with the strictest gun laws have the highest rate of gun-related crime, while rates in jurisdictions with the least restrictions on ownership and possession, are far lower. 

The argument that assault-style weapons are somehow deadlier than other weapons is a red herring. Shoulder weapons are chambered for any variety of ammunition— much of it  far more powerful than military. Fully automatic weapons are generally limited to military and law enforcement use.  

So-called assault-style weapons on the civilian market permit only semi-automatic fire- one shot per trigger pull. These weapons may look military, but they are not fully automatic.

Why do people buy this style of weapon? Why do some buy trucks versus SUVs? 

Our forefathers wisely saw fit to include possession of firearms in the Constitution, based on an historical legacy of governmental abuse. The right to own and bear firearms is still pertinent today. 

Laws prohibiting illegal use of guns already exist, and gun owners are overwhelmingly law-abiding responsible citizens. We need to tone down the rhetoric and examine the issue objectively and then decide how best to approach the core problem of violent crime.

Frank Winkler - Member of the WSFA 12 Editorial Board

Copyright 2012  WSFA 12 News.  All rights reserved.