Gun control doesn't work

I've been reading the articles about the trail of guns used to kill police officers. The article put the blame on the guns and the selling of guns. A firearm is an inanimate object. It cannot shoot itself. A person has to pull the trigger. It is illegal for a felon to possess a firearm.

Does anyone really think that a felon, who has murdered or robbed or raped, is going to care if they kill an armed police officer? If that felon is willing to kill a police officer, do you really think that they are going to care about killing an unarmed citizen? Can the police protect you and do they have to? No on both counts.

The FBI suggests that there should be a ratio of one officer to 500 citizens. It is more like one to 1,500 or more, and with all the budget cuts that is going to increase. But the actual number on the street is more like one to 15,000 to 20,000. The police can't be everywhere. Also the courts have ruled that the police can't be held responsible if they don't protect you.

There are a few facts that are ignored by many people. The illegal use of firearms is very small compared to the millions of firearms used by honest citizens.

Criminals are going to obtain firearms any way they can. Just look at Chicago. It has some of the most strict firearms laws in the country and yet one of the highest crime rates.

Ever wonder why more than 4 million Jews and others were rounded up and killed in Germany and nobody fought back? In 1938 Nazi Germany outlawed private ownership of firearms to “protect the citizens” from criminals.

Yes, I believe in the Second Amendment. No, I don't think that everyone should own a firearm. It is a very heavy responsibility. I hope that I never have to use mine for self-defense, but as a resort I will. Firearm ownership is a right of a law abiding citizens. Punish the law breakers, not the honest citizens.

D. Holtz Sr.

Elgin