Letter: Gun owners fear erosion of rights
Gov. Andrew Cuomo, seated at center, signs the NY Safe Act during a signing ceremony at City Hall in Rochester. Cuomo signed into law on Tuesday legislation that tightens a ban on assault-style rifles, calls for background checks on ammunition purchases, outlaws large-capacity magazines and tries to keep guns out of the hands of mentally ill people deemed to be a threat. (Jan. 16, 2013) Credit: AP
The letter "Gun-rights advocates are shortsighted" [July 31] demonstrates an inclination for simple responses to a complex problem. Do something, even if it's ineffective.
Some provisions of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act don't make anyone safer. This bill, which was pushed through the State Legislature, limits magazine capacity to seven rounds and will track high-volume ammunition purchasers. Does anyone believe that those prohibited from gun ownership, such as convicted felons, will obey these limits?
Cuomo is willing to restrict the rights of the law-abiding, for crass political gain. What gun owners fear is the erosion of Second Amendment rights.
Identifying and remedying the root causes of gun violence is complex and requires a thoughtful and balanced approach. These efforts are not aided by those whose only answer is to eliminate a right they happen not to value.
