In response to Ted Slowik’s column (“Lawmakers on both sides face political pressure to oppose Illinois gun violence bill,” Dec. 14), it is an emotional argument to say restrict citizens from having guns; and pointing to the anomaly of a “mass” shooting to support your argument.
Those incidents are not common among crimes using guns. Not a single study shows that. Instead, the focus should be on preventing the mentally ill and criminals from having these weapons.
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How?
Easy. Require all those requesting a gun permit to submit a mental evaluation showing they have no symptoms of a condition that might lead to violence every time they renew their permit; and increase the severity of punishment for crimes committed with guns.
According to most statistical studies done by authorities, most gun crimes are committed by people who didn’t obtain the weapon legally. That’s a fact. Focus on people with a problem; not on the object they use to resolve it. Common sense. Do these things, and you’ll have the support of the NRA!
Bill Voda
Warrenville