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In "To Thwart a Big-Time Killer, Go After Cars," letter writer Robert Bauer compares regulation of guns with automobiles.
Mr. Bauer's analogy of guns and automobiles is useful as we move forward in trying to prevent future gun-violence tragedies. Let's compare our state's regulations of these two beloved but dangerous consumer products:
In Pennsylvania, vehicles must be registered. However, it is illegal for any government agency to keep a registry of firearms.
In order to drive a vehicle, a license must be obtained. To openly carry a firearm, no license is required.
A special permit and license is required to operate an oversize vehicle, or a motorcycle, or to tow a heavy load. But to use a 30-round magazine, a bayonet mount or a grenade launcher on an AR-15, no such permit is required.
It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated. To carry a firearm, there exists no such restriction.
Mr. Bauer's position on firearms, if analogized to automobiles, would be that any restrictions whatsoever upon owning and operating a motor vehicle would be tyranny. No licenses, no registration, no traffic laws or speed limits, even on residential streets, even in school zones. Mr. Bauer's analogy asserts that if there was one law or regulation made, that it would quickly lead to a total ban on all vehicles.
Zero-compromise gun-advocates need to stop pretending that those who call for common-sense laws are the ones who have an extremist viewpoint.
WADE BURTCH
Highland Park
First Published January 9, 2013 12:00 am
