Your Independent Journal from the Heartland
According to Everytown Research (5/9/24), a gun is stolen from a car, often unlocked, every nine minutes in the US. In the last 10 years, gun thefts have tripled. Cities in states like Florida, “The Gunshine State,” with weak gun safety laws have 18 times more gun thefts than states with tougher gun legislation. Only one-third of states require reporting stolen guns, thus the total could be much higher. Gun safes are available for almost every make and model of vehicle, with many locales providing gun locks for free, if only everyone would use them.
Florida is tougher on dangerous dogs than guns. The new Pam Rock Act takes control from counties to the state and requires stricter safety measures. A new statewide registry of dangerous dogs mandates at least $100,000 liability insurance for aggressive canines and would have their irresponsible owners face felony charges along with euthanization of the guilty dog.
The bill’s sponsor, a victim himself of a brutal dog attack, claimed “we have children dying and getting mauled with owners not taking responsibility.” One sheriff added, “people just completely disregard other people’s safety.”
Similar action is needed for unaccountable gun owners. Don’t be fooled by gun lobby blather about Second Amendment protection. First, there is no such thing as an absolute right. Second, this is a question about gun responsibility, not possession.
In DC vs. Heller (2008), the Supreme Court upheld the right to private ownership to keep and bear arms. However, Reagan appointee Justice Scalia’s majority opinion outlined such rights are not unlimited and cited guns can be denied to felons, the mentally ill, and in “sensitive places” like schools and public buildings. Unlocked cars should be added to the list.
All law enforcement can do in red states like Florida is urge gun owners not to leave their weapons in an unlocked vehicle. Many do this to avoid having their windows smashed by thieves. Guess they value their cars more than human life.
The Free State of Florida (?) should treat irresponsible dog and gun owners alike. Guns stolen from unlocked vehicles should result in criminal charges against the owner if the gun is used to commit a crime. In legalize, accessory before the fact.
Don’t argue for “law and order” when you are not part of the solution, but instead are part of the problem.
ED ENGLER, Sebring, Fla.
