Act upon facts

In the Oct. 7 Spokesman were two articles about suppressors. Kudos to the City Council for making its decision to buy them for the Police Department based upon the advice of experts, instead “how will this look on the front page” syndrome.

The majority of defensive use of firearms occur during low and no-light conditions. Suppressors reduce both sound and flash signature. That means that there is less sensory loss of hearing and vision during that critical incident when a weapon is fired so that the shooter has a better perception of the situation as opposed to reduction of sight and hearing when it is needed most, as well as the short and long term damage to hearing. No matter how it “looks” to the uninformed they are beneficial.

Proposed law changes will still require a background check, just like buying a firearm, a concern mentioned in the articles. I hope that our legislators will act upon facts, not misinformation concerning pending legislation for civilian purchases as well. Recent situations should not blind one to facts as they are readily available. Please, no knee jerk, “have to do something” counter-productive actions that only effect the law abiding.

Robert B. Smith

Hayden