No vote on bump stock ban telling of Bailey’s integrity

Published 1:30 am Saturday, February 3, 2018

Editor,

I am a firearm owner. I have legally hunted wildlife in the past. I enjoy target shooting on an approved range.

I am also certified by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to teach hunter education. This course, which is required to purchase a hunting license, covers a variety of subjects with a focus on safety, responsibility, sportsmanship and ethics.

This week the Washington state Senate passed a bill banning “bump stocks.” This is a device that allows semi-automatic firearms to fire as rapidly as a fully automatic firearm. The only use for this device is to inflict maximum injury or death in minimum time. The Las Vegas shooter used bump stocks. I fully support the ban. There is no legitimate reason for anyone to possess a bump stock. None of our armed forces or any law enforcement units use this item.

Citizens of District 10 should note that Sen. Barbara Bailey (R-Oak Harbor) voted against this ban. I believe she and others who voted no are showing a lack of integrity, compassion, understanding and moral fiber.

Many of the statements against this ban are simply ludicrous. I have been unable to determine if the senator is a recipient of funds from the NRA. I can think of no other reason she would expose our citizens to this hazard. I have emailed Sen. Bailey several times – she fails to respond.

John Boling

Coupeville