Editorials / Opinion

A car has the potential to be a lethal weapon when misused but, no, I do not expect every person who drives a car to pass a breathalyzer as suggested by a recent letter writer [“An automobile analogy,” Northwest Voices, Nov. 1]. My expectation is that drivers pass a driving test, register any…

In his letter, Marshall Dunlap seems to know little about the U.S. Constitution, guns, self defense and criminals [“Background-check inconvenience worth it to keep guns from criminals,” Northwest Voices, Oct. 7]. He writes, “No one needs a gun, especially a handgun. …” Need is not mentioned in the Second Amendment, which states, “The right…

The gun-control initiative is touted as a tool for keeping guns out of the wrong hands [“I-594 is the right tool to keep guns out of the wrong hands,” Opinion, Oct. 3]. But, actually, it would benefit no one other than black-market gun dealers, licensed gun dealers and government agencies who would collect…

Initiative 594 is being touted as a simple background check for gun purchases [“I-594 is the right tool to keep guns out of the wrong hands,” Opinion, Oct. 3]. Don’t be fooled. True, it does require background checks. But it requires more than that — much more. It is 18 pages of regulations…

No one needs a gun, especially a handgun. The idea that a handgun is essential for self protection is a myth. If someone is pointing a gun at you then it’s too late for you to pull yours out on them. A handgun is worthless for hunting. What exactly is the objection to conducting a background…

It is unfortunate that in the final weeks before the November election, guest columnist Jennifer Stuber is dismissive of Initiative 594, which would close the gun-show and Internet loophole by requiring all gun sellers, not just those who are federally licensed, to check whether a person who wants to buy a gun is prohibited by…

Supporters of Initiative 594 claim a study shows a supposed benefit of gun background checks. The premise is that I-594 “could have prevented those deaths because some of the guns used had been stolen…” They assert it “could prevent some questionable transactions and make it more difficult for criminals to get guns.” This is the logical…

The initiative to expand background checks on gun sales on the ballot this fall in Washington (Initiative 594) is being supported by Bill and Melinda Gates, Paul Allen and Steve Ballmer with huge contributions [“The Ballmers give another quarter million to support I-594,” Politics Northwest, Sept. 9]. As if I needed more reasons…

Lance Dickie’s opinion is a bit … silly [“Hopeful progress on gun violence and homelessness,” Opinion, Dec. 20]. The Sandy Hook massacre was done with weapons purchased after a dealer check and available to the family member. The shooter in Virginia used a handgun purchased after a dealer check. So tell us again: how more…

As a former gun owner, I support Initiative 594

Gun violence victims and gun control advocates gather at Cornell Square Park to mark the anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting Dec. 14, Chicago. 13 people, including a three-year-old boy, were wounded when gunmen opened fire on a crowd gathered at the basketball courts in Cornell Square Park in September. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Thanks for the informative article regarding the gun summit organized by supporters of Initiative 594 [“Anniversary a call to action” page one, Dec. 13]. However, I believe the media coverage of this initiative misses the mark.

I-594 is not about gun control. Rather, it is about gun responsibility.

Alan Gottlieb is the founder of the Second Amendment Foundation and advocates for gun rights. I acknowledge his right to own guns. However, what about the rights of children to be safe at school?

With gun rights comes gun-owner responsibility. King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg stated, “Gun owners are not the problem. In fact, they are the solution.” He stressed that gun owners voting for I-594 is the key to winning.