Gun Laws Useless Unless Enforced
Dear Ann Landers: I recently read a letter in your column about a 16-year-old junior high school student in Florida who brought two handguns to school with the intention of killing his assistant principal. I was very disturbed by this case - not only because charges were dismissed but also that this juvenile was not charged with violating federal law. The Gun Free School Zones Act of 1990 and the Youth Handgun Safety Act, two laws which I authored, make this teenager’s actions a federal crime.
The Gun Free School Zones Act makes it a crime to bring a gun within 1,000 feet of a school. The Youth Handgun Safety Act makes it a federal crime to sell or give a handgun to a child under age 18 and for a minor to possess a handgun under most circumstances.
The National Education Association estimates that 100,000 kids bring a gun to school every day. Another survey this year found that one in eight youths reported having carried a gun for protection. These startling statistics demonstrate why these federal laws need to be enforced even among juvenile offenders.
I understand why local authorities would not want to throw the book at a 12-year-old middle school offender, but the truth is, this student is 16 years old and presumably received the gun from an adult. Not only could local law enforcement authorities find a creative way to punish or rehabilitate this young man, but they could also throw the book at the adult felon who supplied him with the weapon.
The federal government can only play a part in the larger struggle against violence in our schools. We can write the laws, but it is up to local governments and law enforcement to implement them. Moreover, our communities must come together to make their schools and officials aware of their commitment to keep our playgrounds from becoming battlegrounds. - U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl (Wisconsin)
Dear Sen. Kohl: Thank you for your very good letter. If any state official in Florida would like to respond, I would be pleased to print it.
Dear Ann Landers: My cousin, “Amy,” has been my best friend ever since we were in kindergarten together. We both have great families now and are still close.
The problem - Amy likes to borrow my clothes. She’s immaculate but perspires a lot. Recently, she ruined a dress and a blouse of mine. I don’t want to lend her anything again. How do I refuse without losing her friendship? - Had It
Dear Had It: Tell Amy the truth and present the evidence. Suggest an anti-perspirant and under-arm shields. If you lose her friendship over this, you haven’t lost much.
Dear Ann Landers: The letter about the Quebec woman whose family worries because she is a compulsive gambler certainly brought back a lot of painful memories. Compulsive gambling is an insidious disease, but thank heavens for Gamblers Anonymous. It has made it possible for me to live a normal and sane life.
Although the compulsive gambler must be the one to seek help, there is support for friends and families through the fellowship of Gam-Anon. Like alcoholism, compulsive gambling affects the entire family, and it is important for loved ones to know they are not alone.
Please tell your readers to contact Gam-Anon International Service Office, P.O. Box 157, Whitestone, N.Y. 11357, for more information. - No Longer Gambling in California
Dear California: You did, and I thank you.