Opinion
Letters to the editor, Feb. 28
TBO.com
Published: February 28, 2013
Voting away freedomPublished: February 28, 2013
What is it in the DNA of Democrats that makes them deliriously giddy and happy at the thought of a completely disarmed American civilian population — except for certain elected officials — and their determined efforts to make it happen? Most if not all legislative efforts at "gun control" at all levels of government are sponsored, seconded and voted for by Democrats.
Their perception of self-defense as a privilege bestowed upon citizens by an all-knowing and paternalistic government rather than a God-given right defies understanding. It seems that they believe people should be willing to take a chance with their lives and property while under attack by criminals by waiting for some government agency to come to their aid.
The Second Amendment has absolutely nothing to do with hunting, as the Democrats are trying to frame the argument. It is all about the inherent right as a human being to defend yourself and your loved ones. Once the right to own the tools necessary for self-defense is taken away by the laws of man, the individual becomes nothing more than a servant of the government.
The Democrat politicians of New York, California and other "gun control" states are congratulating each other on their recent successful legislative efforts of making law-abiding citizens instant criminals when they possess guns. A vote for a Democrat is a vote for losing your freedom.
Michael N. Mattia
Tarpon Springs
Close gun loophole
From 80 percent to 90 percent of respondents in a host of recent national polls support universal background checks. Among NRA members, 74 percent support universal background checks.
As residents of Pasco County we have the opportunity to encourage our county commissioners at their March 19 meeting to close the gun show loophole in Pasco County and provide the means through existing Florida State Law to have universal background checks in our community.
I would urge all residents of Pasco County who are concerned about the possible impact of gun violence on their children and families to contact their county commissioners and voice their support of this commonsense approach to reducing gun violence in our community.
Ken Savich
Holiday