Weapons too easy to get at gun shows

I very much enjoyed Lewis Diuguid’s commentary (1/24, Opinion, "Gun culture’s alluring to many, but I’ll pass"). I, too, have vivid memories of the first time I attended a gun show, in Richmond, Va.

I saw things that day that you simply don’t see anywhere else: Vendors selling Nazi and Confederate "memorabilia," attendees selling guns for cash without processing any paperwork whatsoever, and ultra-racist literature like "The Turner Diaries."

It wasn’t exactly a "God Bless America" moment for me either. Like Lewis, I was stunned most by the ease with which guns can be acquired at these events.

To think that the ATF conducts operations at only 3 percent of the thousands of gun shows that occur each year is chilling, particularly given that they have identified gun shows as the second leading source of illegally trafficked firearms in the nation.

Ladd Everitt

Director of Communications,

Coalition to Stop Gun Violence,

Washington, D.C.

Comments

[Boss]

Kee guns that come from gun shows aren't registered. So how would there be any statistic on gun-crimes bought from a gun shopw if no one knows whether or not they came from a gun show?

The hamster running your brain is slowing down...

[Boss]

Kee guns that come from gun shows aren't registered. So how would there be any statistic on gun-crimes bought from a gun shopw if no one knows whether or not they came from a gun show?

The hamster running your brain is slowing down...

[Boss]

You baby boomers need to die already. NMMNG...what exactly did you "earn"?? Your ancestors helped to slaughter thousands of natives to take land from that they felt they were owed or given to by God. I now see where your dillusional thoughts come from. Even stupidity is an inherited trait.

[NoMoreMrNiceGuy]

The subject of the letter?

Gun shows and owners are racist, criminals and considered "special interests" while the long list of extremst organizations that are supported by liberal outlets are excused. Typical.

[kem]

But you missed the really important points. Didn't you notice their sex and race? Now come on, I know you didn't the real meaning of all those pickups. That didn't slip by ol Lew

[Keith Williams3]

Once again Lewis Diuguid should be ashamed of himself.

With that said, I'm amazed at the excuses and how people on here slipped off the subject of the letter.

[NoMoreMrNiceGuy]

You mean special interests like the NAACP, American Bar, Planned Parent Hood, MADD, GLAD, NOW, NBFO, NCSMC, PETA, etc?

Oh wait these are not considere special interests because they cater to liberals.

Never mind.

The 2nd Amendment is a right that can not or is not supposed to be taken away by liberals and government deadbeats.

We own fireamrs, don;t like it? Then stay the hell away from oour property that we have earned. Fell cheated? Get ajob, live with your choices. Under paid? Who's fault is that? Single mom? Who's fault is that? If all of these things are so bad, do someting about them rather thatn think some Haravrd mouth is going to take from someone else and that will fix your problem.

[Kee]

You are indeed dating yourself Mole, but I will as well. I remember the guys playing mumblety-peg with our pocket knives with our sixth grade teacher at recess! My cousin who grew up in a small town in S. Mo, recalls comparing deer rifles with his HS principal in the parking lot! But, those days are gone the best we can do is to bring up our kids in the outdoors with firearms to learn to respect nature and freedom.

[Stifled Freedom]

Just what the country needs....another special interest group.

[NoMoreMrNiceGuy]

Of course we only need to concern ourselves with "gun" violence.
This same idiot probably endorses "urban beautification" mentality, a.k.a turd polishing. We attend gyun shows, we do not see this rampant black market sales of guns. This clown is unaware or purposely ignorant of the laws. As for Confederate and Nazi collectors items, so what. People collect that stuff, big deal. I would suspect he would not have a problem with the selling of "Yes We Did" racist shirts being sold.

[Moje]

Growing up in a family involved in the firearm business, I have never understood the political issue of gun sales. I think it is because I was educated at a young age to respect the use of firearms, like many of the offspring of WW II veterans. It is too bad that 'Rifle Clubs' and 'Hunting Clubs' that were so popular in the fifties and sixties are so politically taboo for young people today. We were even taught gun safety in P.E. at school with BB guns! Those organizations promoted a respect and love of outdoor nature also. I guess today kids enjoy the glorification of firearms in their living room chair through their violent video games.
I'm showing my age.

[Gary]

The writer needs to expand his frame of reference. Nazi and Confederate memorabilia (no scare quotes) are eagerly sought after by lots of collectors, at venues other than gun shows and over the internet. That does not make the collectors themselves Nazis or Confederates, as he implies.

[Kee]

Mr. Everett you should be ashamed of yourself. Gun shows have been the source for less than one percent of the guns used in crimes. The vast majority of crime guns are stolen, or purchased illegally on the street. Are you in fact saying sir that if I want to sell a nice little side by side to my neighbor of 25 years, he and I, have to go through a government check?

Freedom sir is something some of us fought for, and that does not give you the right to tell me who and what I can buy from in this country. Get over yourself. Your arrogance will never stop the rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment.