Serious @ R U Serious

July 20, 2008

So they are talking about a handgun ban again (still?).

Now, let me say right up front, that I do not own a firearm, have never owned a firearm and will probably never own a firearm. But I'm not a 'ban the handgun fanatic' either.

I have never fired a handgun and the only rifles I have ever fired were the 22 longs in cadets and a 22 short that belonged to my cousin who lived on a farm.

I believe that the majority of Canadians will not, and probably should not own a handgun. However, I have no objection to collectors owing handguns or citizens possessing a handgun for recreational target practice. There are also probably valid reasons for a few to own handguns for protection purposes.

Now, about the proposed handgun ban. How many crimes were committed with legally owned handguns? I think that number is extremely small. After all, if you owned a registered handgun, would you be stupid enough to use it in a crime where the police can trace it back to you?

Most crimes are committed by illegal, unregistered guns - most brought into the country illegally.

Will banning handguns stop this flow of illegal guns? Of course not! Only strict enforcement of existing laws will begin to reduce the number of illegal guns in Canada.

There should definitely be harsher penalties for illegal possession of a handgun or using a handgun while committing a crime. Probably even automatic incontestable penalties, like we have for drunk driving.

But banning handguns? Why don't we just ban criminals? Then there won't be any crime!

Get serious!

Johnny Richards

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