Letter to the Editor No more guns

As a member of our youth population, I am writing to express my strong opposition to H.B. 12-212, which will amend the existing gun control law.

First, I understand the Commonwealth’s economic state and its need to infuse additional revenue in order to survive. However, easing the current weapons control statute as a mean of diversifying its market and attracting new investors to our islands only equates to comprising the lives of the people who reside in these islands.

I am sure that there is a significant number of illegal handguns resting in drawers found in various households throughout our islands. This premise brings me to my primary concern and that is the importation of ammunition.

Certainly, these shooting galleries will not be marketing a thousand handguns a year for its clientele but instead, ensure that enough ammunition is readily available to its patrons.

What happens if these imported guns fell into the wrong hands? It will result in another episode of the Chalan Piao shooting incident. The long-term negative effects this bill outweigh the positive results our legislators are anticipating. This “band aid approach” to fix our ailing economy will only cost taxpayers additional money necessary for increased health care and public safety personnel.

Saipan Tribune’s front page article entitled “Saipan dangerous” should serve as a wake up call for the people of the Commonwealth and another reason why H.B. 12-212 should be scrapped.

Its outrageous that the notice of public hearing scheduled for Sept. 21st by the Senate Committee on Resources, Economic Development and Programs failed to invite key leaders, associations, and members of the community. Rather than having only politicians, interest groups and administration officials personally mentioned in this invitation, why not expand this to include church leaders, the CNMI PTA Council, educators, members of the Youth Congress and parents.

If proponents of this bill are so confident that it will be successful, then why aren’t we seeing the proliferation of this venture in our neighboring island of Guam, which has a very liberal gun control law?

I feel that the general public should get involved with this sensitive issue and have their stance known.

Kimo M. Rosario