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Newsletter #3 – Shooting at DC Zoo
I was reading the April 25, 2000 St. Petersburg Times report of the shooting in the District of Columbia National Zoo. Vice President Gore's comment that "We really have to have mandatory child safety trigger locks" is absolutely indicative of the current administration's inability to view tragic events other than in support of a political agenda. I am a retired United States Army Major, have 22 years of law enforcement experience, an active certified National Rifle Association Instructor teaching Concealed Weapons Certification and Personal Security, a firearms owner and the father of four children raised and educated in a responsible firearms owner household. It is apparent that Mr. Gore needs to have someone explain to him the difference between an "accidental" firearm discharge and a "criminal" firearm discharge. This was purely a heinous criminal act perpetrated by apparent gang members with an absolute wanton disregard for the life and rights of others. Their very ownership of a
firearm constitutes a major felony in that jurisdiction as well as virtually all jurisdictions in the United States. I am a true believer in and teach the value of firearms security measures designed to prevent "innocent" children and adults from possible harm. However, the only solution I see for "criminal" children and adults is the full weight of the criminal justice system. What would trigger locks have done for scumbag punks who expressed their contempt for our entire legal system by having weapons intended to be and used in criminal acts? Wake up Mr. Gore and recognize the real problem may be that this current administration is soft on crime and hard on responsible citizen firearm ownership because it is good press and we are easy targets. We vilify so well!
Norm Belson
Major, United States Army (Retired)
Florida State Certified Police Officer
727-535-9151
njbelson@gateway.net
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