Weighing in
A weekly look at reader comments and reactions to the news
A proposed ban on assault-style firearms triggered plenty of debate, both in Olympia and on the Internet, where Spokesman-Review readers sparred over everything from the suitability of the definition for assault weapons to the role that civilian ownership of all types of firearms serves in preservation of democracy, as this sampling of comments clearly shows. Find the coverage and full debate at www.spokesman.com.
Marjorie Wachter: I do not feel safe with just my AK-47, that’s why I purchased a Stinger missile.
Spokanecougar: I am all for gun rights by the way, but there should be no reason whatsoever that an AK-47 should be legal and if you think so you are nothing but an idiot.
Charlie: I like the way some of these people throw around the term “assault weapon.” Unless it has a selector switch that enables the weapon to fire singly or full auto, it is “not” an assault weapon, just an ugly gun that looks mean.
Tim Carson: This anti-gun movement is more evil than you may think. First of all, bad guys don’t follow laws so passing more laws that you think criminals will follow (is) ridiculous. Secondly free men own guns, slaves don’t. And finally, the Second Amendment was put in place to protect the other nine.
nutz4utwo: This legislation is both a feel-good, do-nothing piece of legislation and violates the Washington state constitution. We might as well ban “blue cars” as they tend to be involved in more DUI accidents.
Ohyeah: This is not a ban on some guns. This law would redefine a so-called assault weapon. If this law is passed, the only guns that would be legal in Washington would be a revolver and a bolt action rifle.
jhazen4663: I have to agree that a disarmed society is in danger of becoming a group of slaves. When the Govt., Military under Govt. orders, or the criminals of a city can impose martial law upon us or invade our homes at will because of no fear of reprisal, all of us will be in danger.
Richie: If they ever ban what they consider “assault rifles,” I will be well served by my Model 1894 Winchester lever action. It is nearly as capable as anything that they think is an assault weapon, and more powerful than most. You know, the rifle your great-grandfather hunted deer with.
Sugar Shane: Since no one has mentioned these quips I thought I’d throw them out. “When you outlaw guns, only outlaws have guns.” And, “Peace through superior firepower.”