Controversy Over Gun Control Laws

In response to the recent tragedy in Stockton, as well as continuing violence here in Los Angeles, the City Council has enacted an ordinance banning the sale and possession of semiautomatic assault rifles. Most of these weapons are owned by people who own and use them responsibly.

Gun ownership was intended to be a right, but it is perhaps more accurate to say it is a privilege to those who behave responsibly. But because of the abuses of those few who use them irresponsibly, in a violent manner, they have been outlawed.

We have all lost a portion of our civic privileges and constitutional rights by an ordinance that is probably ineffective, unenforceable, but very controversial. I wonder what we’ll lose next.

ERIK OLSON

Chatsworth