The Post's first letter to the editor of the 2014- 15 academic year.
I am writing in response to Ms. Omecene's column in Wednesday's edition of The Post.
I live in a state (New Jersey) that has some of the most restrictive gun laws in the country.
I don't hunt, but I do enjoy target shooting. I started "plinking" with a .22 when I was around 6 years old.
I agree with Ms. Omecene that all firearm purchases should have a background check.
I also feel that, to purchase a firearm, you should have to prove that you've passed a basic firearms safety course.
I believe that owning a firearm is a right under the Constitution. However, that right comes with a responsibility.
This includes making sure all weapons are stored properly with trigger locks and/or in a firearms cabinet or safe. This is of particular importance if there are children in a home with firearms.
The problem with any gun control legislation is that it only affects people like me, who follow the law.
Criminals, that is people who purchase firearms illegally, don't care about laws.
Let me close with an experience I had, literally "close to home."
Last year, an individual stole a rifle, went to a mall a few blocks from my home and fired several shots.
The first news reports said that he was dressed in all black, wearing body armor and a helmet, and, after firing the shots, left the mall on foot and went into the surrounding neighborhood.
Not exactly comforting when, as I said, you live a few blocks away.
My wife and I locked the doors and stayed inside and it was comforting to know we had a weapon in the house, just in case.
My sister-in-law is adamantly anti-gun, but, after this happened, she said she could understand how having a firearm in your home could be a good idea.
Kenneth Job is an Ohio University alumnus.
