Re: Brady Bill affects Scouts in Memphis area
Mitchell McLain (mmm@NCD.COM)
Tue, 30 Nov 1993 10:29:48 -0800
> Having recently returned from vacation in the NE Ark. area, I noticed a
> story on the news about the Scout troop in the Memphis that schedules a
> "Gun and knife show" each year.
Not a bad idea. Our council has programs in responsible gun use and safety,
using everything from BB guns to shotguns to small-caliber rifles. Putting
on a show where they can demonstrate that there are responsible uses for guns
and that they can be used safely makes good sense. And if you can raise
money for your troop at the same time, then, great!
> Isn't it a little ironic that a Scout troop is a recipient of money raised
> by handgun and knife sales? The very things that are killing our youth today!
No, it's irresponsible use by people that is what's killing our youth today.
Besides, I wonder how many kids are killed just as violently in cars every
year, yet no one's calling for a waiting period in the purchase of them.
Instead, we're promoting responsible use and safety. Why not with guns, too?
> I think the Brady Bill is one of the best gun control measures that has
> come around in a long time!
It's a minor inconvenience on the law-abiding citizen, nothing more. Even
its sponsors say it will do little or nothing to curb violent acts of crime
involving handguns. Most of the places that have the highest incidence of
gun-related murder and violent crime already have waiting periods on the
purchase of handguns two or three times what the Brady bill imposes, and
they've had no effect on reducing violent crime. The Brady bill is nothing
more than a foot in the door to more repressive means of gun control. When
it's shown that it's not enough, then we'll hear a hue and cry for outright
banning of handguns -- an idea, by the way, that is already making headlines.
> Too bad it has to affect the fund raising program of the Scout Troop in
> Memphis. Well they'll just have to find another way to raise money for the
> troop.
Why's that? The Brady bill doesn't have anything to do with the purchase of
knives or rifles. The troop will still be able to raise funds in the same
way, and when they demonstrate responsible gun ownership and safety at the
same time, then more power to them.
Mitchell McLain
mmm@pcx.ncd.com
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
