Controlling Firearms

I’m normally reticent to criticize a newspaper editorial because it’s such an exercise in futility. Regarding your May 28 piece “Hysterical Reaction,” which took a healthy swing at me for a vote on vehicle searches, I offer only a modest clarification.

The bill by Sen. Ed Davis (R-Valencia) would permit stop and search of vehicles for illegal firearms in areas local authorities have declared to be in a state of emergency. You assert I believe it unconstitutional yet voted for it anyway because of a fear of public opinion.

First of all, I don’t know if it’s constitutional or not--I’m not the Supreme Court. I think it’s a very close call. Sometimes things should be proposed and discussed regardless of ultimate judicial decisions. Second, I am emphatically not afraid to oppose a purported “anti-crime” bill because of some fear of public opinion. I do it all the time. If all of us endorsed every goofy idea that anti-crime opportunists in the Capitol propose, the state would be 6 feet under in law enforcement-related expenses. And still not solve the problem.

Davis’ bill seems worth discussing in light of a particularly dangerous situation in Los Angeles. We should be able to think it through without being accused of hysteria or cynicism. But I don’t live in your community. You do. Maybe you have a better solution to random gunfire.

SEN. BILL LOCKYER

D-Hayward