To the Editors:
In Joe Babler's October 2 column, "We can regulate our automatic rifles and shoot them, too," the author stated that private sales of firearms at gun shows (the so-called 'gun show loophole') "allows an unregulated stream of guns to flow into the hands of violent felons."
It does not. This is a favorite canard of folks who want stricter regulations on Second Amendment rights, which is parroted even by well-meaning people like Mr. Babler. The fact is that the FBI Uniform Crime Reports statistics show that less than one percent of guns used in crimes in America are obtained at gun shows, including those that are "straw purchased" at retail (bought by a non-prohibited person from a licensed dealer who then gives it to a criminal). This hardly demonstrates the urgency implied in Mr. Babler's statement.
Beware of the myths perpetrated by the anti-gun lobby (such as the thoroughly-debunked '43 times more likely to be shot with their own gun' shibboleth), because it consistently lies and misinforms to achieve its goals, without compunction. Gun control is really a movement to control people, not guns. Peaceable, law-abiding citizens should not be thus encumbered because of the illegal acts of others. That would be un-American, and unacceptable.
Sincerely,
Barry Hirsh
Miami, Florida