When I was a boy growing up I was handed my first pellet gun at the age of 6. I was taught proper gun safety. I was raised in a middle class family where we did everything together which included grocery shopping, car buying, home purchases, etc. I had a bedtime, my television time was limited, and music that promoted violence or destruction was banned from the home. I was raised with camping, hunting, and fishing always in my life. I have served time in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged.
I have always had guns in my life, the main purpose was for hunting, however in the past 15 years my purpose for weapons has shifted towards home and personal defense. The point I'm trying to make here is the fact that children are not being raised with the same values and discipline that existed 20 years ago. Young people get off too easy these days and have no fear of the law or their parents, sadly only a select few still do.
There needs to be harsher punishments for drugs and other small misdemeanor crimes. No more slap on the hands, maybe grandpa's belt would work, it worked on me. I don't feel taking away gun rights will make society any better. I feel it will make us weaker, it will let the drug addict that is breaking into your home feel a little safer knowing that there may not be a gun in there.
Unfortunately I'm a good, law-abiding citizen who served my country who will become an outlaw overnight if assault weapons are banned. I will not, nor will I ever, relinquish my weapons!
Michael Foster
Marietta
