Letters: Rights and costs of firearm permits
A table of illegal firearms confiscated in a large weapons bust in East Harlem is on display during a news conference in New York City. (Oct. 12, 2012) Credit: Getty Images
I strongly disagree with the editorial regarding firearms ["Rival to NRA can level debate," April 22].
Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg dislikes firearms and the Second Amendment. That is certainly his right as a citizen. However, to use his millions of dollars to abuse our freedoms is another matter.
Newsday supports his effort and thinks that the National Rifle Association is a villain. The newspaper also thinks that the NRA has officials in its pocket. That is incorrect.
Could it be that senators and representatives who support firearms freedom are merely reflecting the views of the folks who sent them to Congress? I think it does. I know that may anger Newsday editorial writers.
A quote from the late Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas is relevant: "As nightfall does not come all at once, neither does oppression. In both instances, there is a twilight where everything remains seemingly unchanged. And it is in such twilight that we all must be most aware of change in the air -- however slight -- lest we become unwitting victims of the darkness."
James G. Collins, Floral Park
A few years ago, the handgun license renewal fee in Nassau County went from $25 to $200. The reason given was the increased cost for the gun owner to be reinvestigated, etc., by the licensing division of the police department.
Recently, I read that the police department's whole licensing process is about to be streamlined and modernized, making it quicker and less labor-intensive. Can we law-abiding handgun owners hope to see a reduction in the renewal fee, because the costs to Nassau County may be reduced?
The astronomical hike in the fee seemed to be just a big money grab by the county, unjustly imposed upon a fraction of residents.
Stu Miller, Merrick
