Why do Americans insist on gun rights? Look at Thailand
Re: “The right to bear semiautomatic war weapons?” Letters, June 22.
Though I was a gun owner in the US and a member of the National Rifle Association, I agree with Ye Olde Pedant: There is no reason for a private citizen to own an assault rifle or automatic weapon. A pistol, hunting rifle or shotgun can be used for protecting one’s home. M-16s and AK-47s belong in government armouries.
As for the reason Americans cling to their right to own guns, one only has to look at Thailand. It is illegal for a private citizen to own a gun here. Let’s count the toll in both countries. In Thailand, over just the last 50 years, there have been around eight coups. In America, over a span of more than 200 years, there has never been a coup.
Draw your own conclusions, but consider why the powers-that-be in Thailand don’t want citizens to own guns. Lastly, to those that would blame guns for terrorism, consider that not one single gun was used in the 9/11 carnage.
John Arnone
