Editor,
On the surface it appears that Initiative 594 is both simple and reasonable. After all, most of us are in favor of keeping guns out of the hands of criminals and mentally incompetent persons. But wait, this initiative, crafted and funded by rich and powerful out-of-state social manipulators (Michael Bloomberg, et al) is neither simple (18 pages) nor sensible and will do virtually nothing to deter illegal gun trafficking, reduce crime or prevent unlawful possession and use of firearms. There are much better and more practical ways to accomplish these goals like firearm identification cards similar to a driver’s license.
Among the provisions of this initiative, written to make criminals out of many of those who now enjoy safe and legal recreational use of firearms, are these:
No firearms may be loaned without a papered and taxed federal transfer, which would also include transfer fees both when the gun is loaned and when it is returned regardless of the length of time involved. Want to shoot your neighbor’s new gun at the range or on a hunting trip? Want to coach a new shooter or give or take safety classes with firearms provided by the instructors? Leave your gun with a friend for repair or cleaning? Let your buddy borrow your extra gun during the hunt because he’s broke? Let anyone borrow your car with a firearm safely stowed in the trunk? None of these would be legal, and violations would all be serious crimes with second offenses being class C felonies.
Space limitations won’t permit me to list all the bad provisions of this ill-conceived initiative, so Google it, read it for yourself and you will see that I-594 is not designed to keep guns from criminals or reduce crime. It is intended to create overwhelming obstacles to private possession and use of firearms. I-594 targets recreational shooters, competitors, hobbyists and collectors.
Don’t be manipulated. The over 4,300 members of The Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs oppose this initiative and you should too.
MICHAEL MCINERNEY
Langley
