Letter to the Editor: Consider every gun loaded

November 20, 2004
Dayton Daily News

Re: the Nov. 16 Nicholas Kristof commentary "Fresh thinking on guns needed":

Kristof says that you can tell if a camera is loaded just by looking at it, and that the same should hold true to a gun.

The only similarity between a camera and a gun is that they both use the term "shoot."

Every gun, and I mean every gun, should always be considered loaded until proved otherwise. It should be checked each and every time it is handled.

Don't take someone else's word that it is unloaded until you check it yourself. If you don't know how to open the action, ask to be shown.

Gun owners have to be responsible for their firearms, period. Keep them out of the reach of children and careless adults, too. We have laws that deal with irresponsible owners, and I support full enforcement of those laws.

Kristof also wants a "public safety campaign" started. Well, guess what, folks, it's been ongoing for quite some time now.

One example is the National Rifle Association's "Eddie the Eagle" program. Have you ever heard of it? If not, it's because the liberals have kept it out of our children's hands in school systems throughout our great land.

Bottom line is, if you own a gun, be responsible. Educate your family members about firearm safety. Let's face it, like or not, guns are here to stay.

Bob Gambrell
Beavercreek