Letters on gun control, transgender bathrooms, Masterson, abortion threat

Second Amendment not about hunting

I don’t believe our forefathers intended the Second Amendment to have anything to do with “hunting.” I believe its purpose was solely to protect ourselves from an overly intrusive government.

When the population has the ability to defend itself, it makes it very difficult for a government to force its dogmatic ideas on the people. If you think it can’t happen in America, think again. It can happen anywhere.

Ban assault weapons

Republicans’ “reverence” for Ronald Reagan’s ideals is conveniently selective, as they refuse to acknowledge that his support for the 1994 bill banning the sale of assault rifles in the United States was the key factor in passing the ban.

These weapons are much more than macho play toys used now by many for recreation, coveted and worshipped for their unbelievable firepower. There is little defense against these weapons of war, which are very poor for home defense unless you’re prepared to shoot through the walls of your neighbors’ houses.

President George W. Bush’s terrible decision allowing the ban on these weapons to expire was a victory for the terrorists and criminals. These weapons are easily converted from semi to fully automatic, and by simply changing magazines (or buying larger ones), someone can quickly fire hundreds and hundreds of rounds. How was this possibly a victory for America?

Why doesn’t former President Bush at least make an effort to ask Republicans to reinstate this ban on these particular weapons of war?

Bathroom scenarios

As to this nonsensical transgender discussion, I want to express two thoughts to legislators and the public.

First: What happens when an intersex person enters a bathroom or shower? Intersex people are often born with visible organs of both females and males. Some don’t have surgery for years to “become” one gender or the other; some never have surgery. Where do they go?

Second: People seem to be worried that a male will put on a skirt and waltz into the female locker room to spy on women. Think about this instead: A person who was born female-bodied starts the first physical step of transition. He begins testosterone treatment. He grows a beard and gets muscular. Typically, he gets a mastectomy as the second step. He wants nothing more than to be accepted as a male.

But then he is forced by law to go into the women’s locker room or bathroom, instead of the men’s. Someone complains or calls the cops because a man is in the women’s room. The guy has to drop his pants and – oops – he has female genitalia. You have now made that guy a target and made fools of yourselves.

Neither scenario is likely, because the people I’m writing about generally go quietly into private stalls or skip the showers – unless the showers are private also – and no one ever knows.

Re-elect Masterson

We are endorsing Ty Masterson to be re-elected as state senator. Masterson is a man of integrity whom we can trust to make wise decisions in the best interest of all Kansans. He researches the truth and has God-given leadership qualities that we need in this state. He loves God, his family and all Kansans.

Re-elect Sen. Ty Masterson, R-Andover, a man of integrity whom we can trust.

Not a threat?

Regarding “Jury: Anti-abortion activist’s letter to doctor not a threat” (May 7 Eagle): How can someone send a letter to another person saying something to the effect that “you’d better check under your car every time you get in it, because something might happen to you,” and that not be taken as a serious threat?

The letter writer sent it to a Wichita doctor who was preparing to provide a missing service to the public. The U.S. Justice Department brought charges against the writer and sent the case to a jury trial. The jury somehow found the letter writer without legal fault.

We all deserve better from each other than to allow one person to threaten another, openly and without consequences.

This story was originally published June 24, 2016 at 12:05 AM with the headline "Letters on gun control, transgender bathrooms, Masterson, abortion threat."