In the New Haven Register's April 1 editorial, the data to support a "gun problem" that would require the state to enact more laws is virtually non-existent.
Police in Connecticut, and elsewhere, do not have a substantial problem with legally obtained AR-15 weapons being used in criminal activity or high-capacity magazines.
"Saving one life" emotional appeals, if really genuine, would be better spent on other laws like automobile safety inspections that truly would save lives after being enacted.
Where are the outraged elected officials and concerned newspapers before a tragedy? Perhaps Sen. Looney and others involved with reducing gun violence should start by addressing the long-term criminal activity in their own districts, and perhaps look to other states in New England for laws that work.
New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine have far fewer gun laws and significantly better results. Just look at Chicago and New York to see how effective passing more laws is on reducing criminal gun activity.
Instead of getting caught up in the current frenzy to craft more laws, let's analyze the problems (with data) and evaluate the proposed solutions.
Perhaps Connecticut can borrow ideas that work so well in other states (like car safety inspections), and avoid failed government programs like the Mr. Holder's "Fast and Furious" campaign that provided thousands of weapons and high-capacity magazines directly to criminals.
Tom Webb
Hamden