This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
I find it interesting how gun enthusiasts are labeled "gun nuts" when they resist legislation to limit the rights of gun ownership and, subsequently, their ability to defend themselves and their families.
This is particularly frustrating when these same proposed initiatives have proven to do nothing to reduce violent crime. The 1994 assault weapons ban would have done nothing to deter the shootings in Connecticut. The shooter did not buy the gun, so no background check was performed. The Columbine shootings took place while the ban was in effect; again, no deterrent. Nonetheless, a chorus of eager voices now wants to ram through the same type of legislation.
Ironically, they are able to express such views because of the only right in the Bill of Rights higher than the Second Amendment. It will be fun to watch liberals react to any recommendations to reduce violence in the media, video games or movies. Suddenly, there will be an outcry directed at government for taking away their rights.
Michael James
Provo