A tragic family-member loss (” Gun control lobby is thinking small ,” Opinion and Commentary, Liberal Page, Jan. 1 and TribLIVE.com) is undeniably painful, but it can confuse and mislead one toward false remedies. A nationwide handgun ban is one such false remedy. To show this, consider that each year thousands are killed and injured in vehicle accidents. The suffering by those victims and their families is no less painful. Imagine if some of those victims called for a nationwide ban on private vehicles and government force made it happen. Where does that road take us? Confiscation. Honest livelihoods and industries outlawed. Hobbies and traditions now crimes. Parts regarded like drug paraphernalia. Another costly “war on something.” It also takes us to a new government agency with three functions: to transport people government-style, to relocate people where government wants them and to jail people. Undoubtedly, it will perform these functions with FEMA-like efficiency. Bans on cars, guns or whatever are alternate routes to the same dead end: bigger government, poorer citizens, less freedom, more intrusion, fewer choices and more helplessness. Let’s not take this wrong turn. Mark Crowley Plum

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