Letter: Selectman Marzullo Supports Some Firearms Limits

To the Editor,

There may never be a perfect law or piece of legislation that will stop an emotionally disturbed person from doing evil things. But when gun violence kills an average of 30,000 Americans each year, even a few lives saved as a result of gun violence prevention is progress.
 
At last Thursday's Board of Selectmen meeting, I voted in favor of joining "Mayors Against Illegal Guns" because it is important for Greenwich to clarify its stance and add its voice to the national movement. Congress must act to introduce real, responsible legislation that is clear and understandable to every American. If reasonable, sensible restrictions are implemented, you reduce the probability of a disaster taking place. A national conversation on guns is long overdue, and Congress is charged with seeing that it finally begins. There is always agreement on both sides with the phrase "something has to be done," but that is just a cover for doing nothing. The overwhelming majority of lawful gun owners in America realize that the current status quo isn't working. We can longer accept a reality where every few months tragedy strikes another community. Newtown should not just be a flash point that recedes in the quagmire of Washington's legislative disfunction. 

To be clear, I do not have a problem with purchasing legal guns. I do not have a problem with companies making guns. I do, however, have a problem when someone can purchase armor piercing ammunition,  the sole purpose of which is to harm law enforcement professionals. I support the Second Amendment right to bear arms, for sport, target practice, hunting and self-defense. But I do not support an individual's right to purchase a high-capacity assault weapon with the capability of firing hundreds of rounds with one pull of the trigger.

The bottom line is that there are too many guns landing in the hands of the wrong people. In the hands of minors, criminals, in the hands of individuals with psychiatric and substance abuse problems. Even suspected terrorists on the Terrorist Screening Center's No-Fly list can purchase a firearm. Prosecution of those who lie on their applications should be increased. Gun dealers who are allowing straw purchases need to stopped. Background checks and criminal information need to be shared from state to state and monies need to be properly allocated for mental health services. 

I am not naive to the realities of what can and cannot be done. However, I do believe that our current system that allows illegal firearms to slip through the cracks can be vastly improved upon. And, hopefully, save lives in the process.
 
Drew Marzullo
Selectman