The Democrats in Washington state have pulled off yet another disastrous move, this time in their quest to address gun violence. They’ve passed an assault weapons ban, which is nothing more than a knee-jerk reaction to a complex issue. Let me tell you, this ban won’t work, and I’ll give you the reasons why.
First off, let’s talk about past bans. The Federal Assault Weapons Ban of 1994 to 2004 was a total flop. Studies show it didn’t do much to reduce gun crime, so why do they think a state-level ban will fare any better? It’s just a political stunt, plain and simple.
Next, let’s talk about the criminals. They’re already breaking the law by obtaining firearms illegally, so how is this ban going to stop them? Studies show that only 7% of criminals get their hands on firearms through legal channels, so why do Democrats think that more laws will magically make these criminals obey them?
And let’s not forget that the real problem lies in handguns, not assault weapons. FBI data shows that rifles, including assault weapons, only accounted for a measly 364 of the 13,927 firearm-related homicides in 2019. So this ban is completely missing the mark by not addressing the leading cause of gun deaths.
Plus, law-abiding citizens use firearms for self defense, and this ban could hinder their ability to protect themselves. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that firearms are used defensively between 500,000 and 3 million times per year, yet these lawmakers are disregarding the rights and safety of their constituents.
Instead of addressing mental health issues that contribute to mass shootings, they’re scapegoating firearms. It’s a disappointment that our representatives have chosen to ignore this crucial factor.
We should focus on enforcing current gun laws and prosecuting offenders, not creating new restrictions. As John R. Lott argues in his book “More Guns, Less Crime,” existing laws can be effective if properly enforced, but these lawmakers have failed to prioritize this approach.
Eliminating gun-free zones would allow law-abiding citizens to protect themselves and others, but they’re ignoring this option. These zones can become magnets for mass shooters, who seek out areas where they know their victims will be defenseless.
Responsibility is key when it comes to gun ownership, including proper storage and education, but these lawmakers are neglecting this aspect, focusing on a ban rather than promoting responsible ownership.
Evidence-based policing strategies can more effectively reduce gun violence than banning specific weapons, but they’re overlooking proven tactics in favor of a more sensationalist approach.
And let’s not forget about addressing the root causes of violence, such as poverty, education and social inequality. This is crucial to reducing gun violence in the long run.
This assault weapons ban is a complete failure on the part of our Democratic lawmakers and governor. They’re ignoring the complexities of gun violence and opting for a superficial and ineffective measure that panders to fear and emotion.
The citizens of Washington deserve better. We need to demand that our elected officials abandon this futile ban and pursue real solutions that protect our rights and safety. It’s time for our representatives to step up and tackle the issue with the nuance, intelligence and courage it demands.
•••
Chad Taylor is the publisher of the Nisqually Valley News and CT Publishing. He and his wife, Coralee Taylor, are the owners of the Nisqually Valley News. They can be reached at ctaylor@chronline.com.
