Letter to the Editor
 

GUN CONTROL

I CAN IMAGINE the news story: "Department of Defense voices support for anti-gun legislation:

WASHINGTON - Faced with decreasing enrollments and increased departures, the Department of Defense
today voiced its support for the Juvenile Justice Bill.  By raising the minimum age to 21 years for owning a
firearm, only military personnel (active, reserve, and National Guard) between 18 and 21 years of age, who
have been issued an exemption, will have access to firearms.  The message: Do you love guns? Are you between
18 and 21 years of age? See your local recruiter."

Sound absurd? It sounds absurd because it illustrates just how silly the entire idea truly is.  As an 18-year-old infantryman, I was trained to use a firearm to protect myself in defense of our nation.  In addition, it was legal for
me to possess a firearm.

If, at 18, I was old enough, mature enough and responsible enough to protect myself, why should it be any different now?  If we increase the minimum age to own a firearm, maybe we should raise the minimum age to enlist in the armed forces.

-- David Stiver