I thank Mr. Bosland [Reasons to vote for universal background checks, Viewpoints, Aug. 27] for taking the time to comment on the upcoming referendum.
I appreciate his honesty in saying the referendum is all about making a statement rather than actually doing anything about gun violence (“giving a solid signal that Oak Parkers are very unhappy about what has happened to gun ownership in Illinois.” He correctly notes that my “only” argument against universal background checks/no exceptions was they don’t work, they don’t keep guns away from criminals and the dangerously mentally ill (DMI).
Why would anyone support worthless or ineffective laws when dealing with gun violence? Do these people just want to feel good about themselves? Do they just want to hassle legal gun owners?
I have repeatedly asked for any evidence that UBC actually keep guns away from criminals and the DMI. So far, no evidence has been produced — because none exists.
An ongoing natural experiment, the first year of Colorado’s background check law resulted in a grand total of 4% of the background checks being run by individuals, the other 96% by federally licensed dealers. (Almost all of the 4%, both sellers and buyers, were not criminals/DMIs!)
Mr. Bosland’s first point, that 90% of Americans support UBC is incorrect, the question on the survey dealt with selling to people who could not legally own a gun. Of course everyone is against selling guns to people who can’t legally own a gun. The question did not ask if you favor Universal Background Checks impacting only law-abiding citizens and not criminals/DMIs.
His second point that 40% of guns are sold without background checks was true. Until the 1990s when the Clinton administration got rid of the 60% of the Federal Firearms License holders who conducted business largely from home and were not really full-time gun dealers in the first place.
He also points out the NRA has blocked federally funded research into gun-related issues. This is true! It is also the reason the anti-gunners want federally funded research — the results will be produced by Federal employees, who are mainly anti-gun Democrats!
If Oak Parkers are unhappy with what has happened to gun ownership in Illinois, Oak Park and Chicago (since when are Oak Parkers concerned about Chicago?), just word the referendum to ask this question. Don’t ask about a measure that impacts only legal gun owners and camouflages this real goal under the guise of doing something about gun violence.
Vote no on the November referendum. Demand laws that decrease gun violence, not laws that decrease legal gun ownership!
Remember to vote.
John Peder Erickson
Oak Park
