Putting gun rights over public safety

To the diehard gun rights people, the unfettered right to own and use firearms seems to be more important than public safety. I have a FOID card, which allows me to buy and own guns. It also allows me to buy ammunition. I also have a driver's license, which allows me to drive a car. I have been excercising that right for more than 65 years and have never had it revoked. Of course, I do have to take a test periodically to ascertain if I'm still fit to drive. As long as I'm capable, abusing my right to drive is the only way I'll lose it.

Cars have not been around as long as guns and are not mentioned anywhere in the constitution. Car owners and drivers are faced with many regulations, though. Each car has a title registered to the owner. It must be licensed by the state. Proof of that license must be prominently displayed on the vehicle. The driver must be licensed to drive and must pass a test to do so. Reckless behavior can result in losing that right. Many states require liability insurance, some have yearly safety inspections.

There are speed limits everywhere, all designed to protect everyone. While you might quarrel with some of these regulations, can you imagine what it would be like without them? So why should owning and using guns be any different?

Ron Flowers

Elk Grove Village