Letter - Gun column shortchanges the truth

To the editor:

A recent piece by regular columnist DuWayne Paul, titled “Gun salesman of the year: Barack Obama,” shortchanges both history and truth.

First, he tells us that the president’s strong push to address the epidemic of gun violence will lead to unneeded laws based on “knee jerk” reactions. Actually, the president’s proposals are the same that have been advocated since the assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan, more than 30 years ago.

Knee jerk? The gun industry and the NRA have successfully bullied politicians to prevent action on these, despite strong evidence of support from the public. To his credit, the president has said, “Enough.”

Then DuWayne uses a quote from George Washington’s first address to Congress in 1790 to support his views on the Second Amendment. In it, Washington says that the “right to bear” is needed to protect citizens from “their own government.” Unfortunately, the quotation is a fake. In his address, Washington’s reference to armed citizens pertains to “providing for the common defense,” being “prepared for war” as a “means of preserving peace.” Very different message.

“Credibility is like virginity. Once you lose it, you can never get it back.” (Unknown)

Ken Howell

Alexandria, MN

Tags: opinion, letters