Tying hands of law-abiding gun owners won't stop violence. More police will make difference

Letters to the Editor
·1 min read
8

I don’t believe there is anyone that denies we need to use drastic measures to stop gun violence in this country. I cannot even imagine the horrors that Dr. Megan Schultz has seen (“Doctor seeks end to shooting of kids,” Sept. 12).

But, unfortunately, every time there is a particularly heinous murder or a mass shooting, the immediate reaction is more legislation. That’s great if you want to tie the hands of the legal, law abiding gun owner. These laws mean nothing to a criminal in possession of an illegal firearm.

I’m all for lengthy background checks, and I would even support a 30 day waiting period. But none of these things will make even the slightest amount of difference.

Read Dr. Megan Schultz's op-ed: 'Are you living in a war zone?' ER doctors call for legislative action on guns

What will? More police in the high crime neighborhoods, where the overwhelming majority of these crimes occur — gun violence is the leading cause of death for Black males ages 15-34. Universal background checks. Heavier penalties for those trafficking guns to high crime neighborhoods. The police can only do so much when law and order are ignored.

No doubt I want drastic measures taken too. But more legislation will do nothing.

Thomas Henry, Mequon

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Solution to gun violence and mass shootings not legislation