I just received a constituent letter from my MP, Todd Doherty, which includes an attack on the RCMP for restricting cartridge magazines for the 10/22 Ruger. The article makes the valid point that this action potentially criminalizes otherwise law-abiding gun owners. My concern is that this is part of a trend by local MPs, most notably Bob Zimmer, to promote American-style gun rights.
I understand the appeal of gun ownership, whether for hunting or recreation. Yet a casual glance at the carnage south of the border provides a daily reminder of the threat to public safety that guns pose.
And who do we hire to protect our safety? Why, the RCMP!
So it mystifies me why our elected representatives in Parliament would second-guess the professionals responsible for public security and call for a loosening of gun regulations.
I have no idea whether Doherty or Zimmer are supported by the gun manufacturers' lobby, but it is clear that giving gun manufacturers more influence over Canadian regulations is a sure road to the kind of violence that is currently convulsing our friends to the south.
Canadians are a sensible people with a long tradition of calm and restraint.
We recognize that hunters do not need assault rifles to take down deer.
We recognize that large magazines make it far easier for criminals to slaughter innocent citizens.
Let's allow the trained professionals who actually have the data about which weapons are dangerous to regulate firearms as they see fit.
Please send a letter to your MP today saying, "no, thank you" to American-style gun laws.
Stephen Rader
Prince George
