I spent more than three years of my life in areas of the Americas safest from gun violence. We had no shootings, no armed rampages. Yet everyone working there was issued a gun.
I refer to U.S. Army bases, at home and in Central America. We were a military force and we knew about guns. We were trained in their use... and aware of their misuse.
Our guns were rifles. And, yes, there were machine guns, mortars and such. Unless they were removed from safe storage, where all were kept securely under lock and key, they were issued only for use on the gun range or in case of war. When given out for the firing range, ammunition was withheld until we were prepared to fire. The exceptions to this gun issue was only for the military police, extensively trained and supervised.
If we want to be safe in Canada from random gun violence, we need assault rifles and automatic weapons only in the hands of those professionally trained to use them - our military. When it comes to handguns, they should not be in the hands of those without a demonstrated need of protection.
Certainly farmers and those needing firearms for defence of livestock and property as well as hunters could own guns but they should be carried beyond secure storage only when needed. With lethal weapons in the hands only of responsible owners, we will all be safer.
James Loughery,
Prince George
