I have left the NRA, but I vote. I have this RIGHT to vote under the U.S. Constitution. With this RIGHT comes the OBLIGIATION to inform myself on issues so that I may not harm the body politic.

I own several guns. I own these as is my RIGHT under the U.S. Constitution. With this RIGHT comes an OBLIGATION to see that these guns are used in a safe and lawful manner and never harm the innocent.

To meet this second obligation, I believe that all my guns should be registered. This registration should be based on my passing a background check.

However, if I’m denied registration based on a background check I should have the right to know the details of why and be afforded a speedy appeal, say within 10 days, before a local judge.

“Bump stocks” should be immediately banned. (I believe they are.) The new web available gun kits which can be modified to form a working firearm or change a semi-automatic to an automatic should be banned. However, laws aimed at banning such kits and “ghost guns” must be scrutinized to be sure they do not interfere with legitimate gunsmiths getting parts.

If I wish to own, for whatever purpose, a firearm capable of accommodating a high-capacity loading device, then I should have to pass a more intrusive background check, perhaps including finger printing. Being prohibited from purchasing a firearm based on this check should also be appealable.

Knee jerk legislation such the SAFE Act should be avoided or repealed. Such laws give the appearance of “doing something” and may be emotionally satisfying to anti-gun advocates but have no impact on gun violence as they, like most laws, effect only the law abiding.

I do not believe any of these steps, or others proposed, could have stopped the slaughter this nation has, and continues to endure, but they are steps that I think would bring the two vested sides of the debate closer.

It is time for gun owners to take the lead. The NRA has done nothing to protect the legitimate rights of gun owners. Their mantra has been “they’re coming for your guns, so send us money and buy bigger guns.” It is time for the NRA membership to take back control of their organization, and free it from the control of gun manufacturers.

I believe it is an accepted fact that most gun owners favor a national registry of all guns. This would be a great step forward. To those who fear that a registry is the next step before confiscation, let me assure you that if the government wants our guns they will get them, registry, or no registry.

As gun owners have tried to explain for years it’s not the gun it’s the person wielding the gun that is the real problem.

Here in New York, we have released so many former prison inmates that state Government is looking to close and sell prisons! I offer a solution for safer communities and uses for those prisons.

Which legislators, ??, who claim to want gun control, will submit bills mandating:

• If you are found in possession of a handgun and do not have a license it’s an automatic 6 mos. sentence. Served on weekends, at the judge’s discretion, but no plea bargains.

• An automatic six-month sentence if you are found in possession of a handgun not listed on your license. No plea bargains. If in possession of more than one unregistered handgun, you get 6 mos. per gun. At the judge’s discretion sentence may be served on weekends. If the gun in your possession was used in a crime, it’s an automatic 1yr. sentence. No plea bargains. All sentences served consecutively.

• If you are found in possession of a handgun not on your license that was bought in another state, it’s an automatic 1yr. sentence. Additional guns each earn you another year. No plea bargains. Again, if any of these guns were involved in a crime it’s an additional 1yr. per gun. All sentences to be served consecutively.

• If you wish to possess a long gun or a pistol that can accommodate more than 10 rounds there will be a more extensive background check.

• If you are already licensed for such a pistol the background check is waived.

• For juveniles, (minors), violating any of the above: the custodial parent or guardian will serve the sentence. If no custodial parent or guardian can be determined the juvenile will undergo a physiological exam, at the expense of the state, by a licensed doctor who is qualified in juvenile physiology. This exam will determine any state custodial time the juvenile will serve. If no custodial parent/guardian can be found the juvenile will become a ward of the state and confined in a state juvenile facility, and the case will be reviewed in 6 mos. at the latest.

• If a long gun or pistol is used in commission of a felony, even if the weapon is not displayed, 5years will be automatically added the imposed sentence. No plea bargains, no time off for good behavior, no early release. Perp does 5 years, period!

These are my suggestions for stopping gun violence and getting the illegal traffic in guns to decrease. They are not the whole answer, but they would be a starting point. Not addressed here is an approach to domestic disputes where guns are present. Please email me your ideas on this issue.

Please feel free to disagree with me. Offer contrary ideas. Berate me, but don’t respond with a “knee jerk,” leave that to the kids in Albany.

I will add that I write this as a member of the NYSCC, but it in no way expresses the official stance neither of the organization nor of any member except myself.