Letter: When politics is not 'backing the badge'

We just got a slick mailing from state Rep. Dan Ugaste. The reverse side of the mailing folds out to make a black-and-blue poster that says BACK THE BADGE, "Courtesy of Rep. Dan Ugaste," which he suggests that we "consider hanging in the front window of your home or business."

That is fine, but you should cut off the bottom of the poster where Ugaste's name is.

My youngest son is a police officer. He should not have to face off against AR-15s and other military weapons in the hands of an active shooter. The only purpose of these weapons is to swiftly kill people in large numbers. Over and over, from Highland Park to the massacre of 7-year-old children at Newtown Elementary School, assault weapons have been shown to be highly effective when used for their designed purpose.

There is no legitimate civilian need for an assault weapon. Yet, Dan Ugaste is against a ban on sales of assault weapons, bragging that he is "a strong supporter of the Second Amendment." OK. He has a right (I would say FAR RIGHT) to take that position. But he shouldn't pretend that he " backs the badge."

Wiley Edmondson

Geneva