Of Rights And Guns

To the Editor,

The chief and primary reason I am writing to you is in response to an article I read about the new firearms Seizure Act under PA 99-212. The law I am referring to states that police have the power to seize guns from people at imminent risk of injuring themselves or anyone else. This is even appalling to ponder the simple fact that some highly educated politicians felt it was just and lawful to let this legislation be passed. Already the Bristol police returned a suspect’s guns only after he submitted a doctor’s note indicating he was not a potential threat. Isn’t this going a little too far, when we have to have a doctor’s permission to own a gun? Also what right does someone have to determine if another person is at imminent risk of injuring themselves or someone else?

In another instance, a Darien police officer applied for a warrant and searched a suspect’s premises, but found no guns. Also, according to Veronica Rosa, a principal analyst, “An off-duty sheriff was caught allegedly directed racial slurs and pointed his guns at a Black couple while he was driving along Route 6 into Rhode Island. The Rhode Island police arrested him for assault, carrying a weapon without a permit, and driving under the influence. Since the incident started in Connecticut, the Connecticut State Police also investigated, concluded that the suspect was a threat, and seized all of his guns.” Although this man’s actions were truly unlawful, irresponsible, and nefarious, by no means should the Connecticut government have the right to seize all of his weapons, especially since he only used one weapon in the assault. A United States Naval Officer, who has lived in Connecticut for 22 years, he states, “By no means should a police officer by able to take away an individual’s guns because someone suspects he is a risk. If this is done you will be pinning neighbors against each other and in effect creating a Nazi-Fascist society.”

If our society has learned anything from American history it is that when an overbearing government becomes too stalwart and praetorian it will eventually cause the public to revolt. I desperately hope that our great nation does not completely disregard the Constitution that our forefathers bestowed upon us, so that we would never have to rebel against a tyrannical and monarchial government. It is about time that we stand up for our rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness before our government places any more restrictions and limitations on them.

Sincerely,

Lance Panigutti

21 Huntingtown Road, Newtown         January 2, 2000