Readers support Sheriff's gun stance

I wish to compliment and support the stance that our Sheriff Tom Jones has publicly taken on our second amendment rights. For one in such a publicly placed position to bravely state this staunch position requires confidence, courage, and integrity.

While it is currently somewhat 'in' to make the right to keep and bear arms controversial, the second amendment, as were all the amendments, was placed in our constitution for very important reasons. Among these reasons are the usual right to self protection, self defense, survival, and the procurement of food but the often overlooked fact is stated in the wording of the amendment itself; i.e. "A well-organized militia being necessary .." That militia is the whole people, the citizens if you will of our country. Taken as a whole, our nation's hunters alone (not including those who simply 'own a gun') comprise a citizen 'army' larger than any standing army in the world. It was this army referred to by Hirohito after WWII when he said that Japan didn't attack the United States after Pearl Harbor because every home had a gun. That national defense stands today.

Yes I hunt, yes I enjoy the shooting sports, and most of all I cherish the freedom of this great land to make my own decisions, to grow, to become whatever I wish to become and to, yes, to own a gun.

Bob and Dora Heikell

Moses Lake