Reader responds to gun debate

Regarding "increased gun control" - Public education fails at teaching history and basic thinking skills.

Laws only impact actions of law abiding people. No law, starting with the most basic "Thou shalt do no murder," has ever prevented murder! Lack of enforcement destroys our faith in the government and legal system. Current existing laws to prosecute illegal attempts to purchase firearms are not enforced!

Our only hope is to restore teaching morality as it is fundamental to human behavior.

The Bill of Inalienable Rights was written by men who understood religion and morality. The word "militia" (as defined in the 1828 Webster's dictionary) relates to all men having the responsibility to have arms and training to defend themselves, their family, and the country. It is the population that has the ultimate responsibility to defend this country! The hunting arms of the 1770's were the military arms.

An AR-15 is not a good deer rifle. It can be a primary tool used by ranchers to defend livestock from wolves. On the internet, find FedBizOpps.gov that posted a solicitation for "5.56x45mm NATO personal defense weapons." My weapon of choice would have a thirty round magazine if facing a pack of wolves, feral dogs, or people trying to break into my home or business.

Yes, we need better laws and databases properly enforced regarding criminals and people with mental problems. Disarming law abiding citizens doesn't stop criminal behavior!

Look up "The Battle of Athens", Tennessee 1946, when GI's protected the ballot boxes from corrupt officials! This incident is not taught in public schools, but should be!

Our inalienable right to bear arms, given to us by our Creator, is a duty and responsibility for protection of all our rights. It is not a permission to use force, except as the last resort for defense.

Thomas Fancher

Moses Lake