Letter: In two different killings, only one puts weapon on trial

There were two parades, one in Waukesha, the other in Highland Park. Unfortunately, both had similar outcomes, many dead and dozens injured. The weapons used to kill and maim, however, were different. One was an SUV, while the other was an AR-style rifle. What is also different is how we look at these crimes. The driver of the SUV is on trial in one case, while in the other, the AR-style rifle is on trial more so than the person who pulled its trigger. We all know why.

We are all trying to balance constitutional rights, public safety, public opinion and politics. That said, as a gun owner I would like to remind non gun owners that they too have 2nd amendment rights. Please be careful how you limit what you perceive as someone else's right. If one amendment in the Bill of Rights is not absolute, then neither are the other nine.

Lastly, if the AR style rifle is the cause of gun violence, then isn't the alcoholic beverage the cause of drunken driving? If not, why not?

John Malec

Bensenville