Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/107898
VOICES HOT BUTTONS Readers: More gun restriction GUNROL won't help CONT support of the regulatory status quo. "If the government enforced the current regulations prohibiting violent criminals and the psychologically impaired from obtaining guns, these atrocities would be far less," wrote Lou Segarra of Elmont, N.Y. His home state's governor, as of this writing, was contemplating a move ahead of the federal government to write a complete ban of magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds into its existing laws. "Instead," Segarra added, "the government simply uses these horrific acts to grandstand and make new laws … in an effort to justify their salaries." Reader Craig Hansen told the story of the two times he'd had to "present" his weapon in 32 years of ownership. "Both times it did save my life," he said, "thereby saving my family too." While he says he's grateful "for the security our police and armed forces afford us to enjoy in the peace and sanctity of everyday life … sometimes you're on your own." Such as the time he backed up a local deputy during a break-in at a neighbor's house. "Our deputies are really spread thin here and Russell Steen: Where does it end? The government has no plan, no budget, no morals — now they want our rights as well. Second Amendment was written to allow the people the means to resist tyrants, whether they be domestic or foreign. Charlie Baker: The only reason for government to enact gun control is to keep the people from resisting the government. The Chris Nixon: Gun control does not mean gun confiscation — that's a ridiculous fear instilled in gullible minds by a gun industry driven by profits over humanity. I'm a gun owner, and a Second Amendment advocate, but I have no use for an assault rifle designed to kill humans in mass numbers on the battlefield. In the wake of the Sandy Hook shootings in Connecticut late last year, ending a particularly gruesome year for mass murder in the United States, Overdrive readers delivered a message counter to generalpublic polling data in answer to our own question on gun ownership and official restrictions. As mainstream media outlets reported poll results showing a fairly even split on most questions about the need for more or less restriction on ownership, nine out of 10 readers said they either favored fewer restrictions or stood in Where do you stand on gun control? We need more restrictions on ownership 9% The regulatory status quo is enough 46% We need fewer restrictions on ownership 45% Few Overdrive readers tilted to favoring further restrictions on gun ownership in the wake of the mass murders of 2012. Owner-operator Gordon Alkire, summing up typical reader commentary at OverdriveOnline.com, wrote, "Gun control is for control only. It will not make our lives any safer." On the other side, Chris Nixon made note of what he saw as a "majority consensus" outside the trucking industry in favor of tighter restrictions for the public good. He saw this as "being attacked by the individual private interests of ruthless and unprincipled profiteers." could use a break," said Hansen. The deputy "was glad for the help. I respect you if you don't like or want a gun, but I do … and I want the same respect given to me." READER RESPONSES Watch for our Hot Button questions and have your political voice heard at: 10 | Overdrive | February 2013 Shawn L. Hubbard: With all due respect, civilian assault rifles fire one bullet with every trigger pull, just like any other gun. Assault rifles are no more dangerous than any other gun. The difference is that the gun has a cosmetic aesthetic that appeals to people. If you believe these guns should be banned, then you believe in banning guns, period. Facebook.com/OverdriveTrucking @OverdriveUpdate