For decades, we have taught our children not to profile or stereotype people. But as I see the New Haven Register political cartoons, editorials, and read the letters to the editor, this is exactly what you are doing. You have stereotyped every law abiding owner of any firearm as an unintelligent, inebriated, irresponsible, unkempt, and an undesirable person in our state.
In the 63 years I have lived in Connecticut, my only legal infractions have been two speeding tickets. Yet because I own a .22 bolt action rifle with a detachable clip, I am characterized as a dangerous an undesirable citizen of our state. During the recent public hearings on gun regulation, the anti-gun advocates characterized all gun owners as the next “Adam Lanzas.” What a narrow-minded and vengeful stereotype. And they will pass this outlook to their children. I am gaining a greater sense of how the German Jewish people felt during World War II.
This continued propagation of the “Undesirables” stereotype will lead, and is already resulting in an absolute polarization of our society. A deep distrust and intolerance of each other. And these feelings of distrust will linger for decades. So rather than working together to address all our state’s issues, we will face off and hurl insults against each other.
As a reminder, many of us “Undesirables” serve our communities and our state in various medical, legal, social support, educational, and public safety capacities. And many have served our country in combat: some even losing their limbs and mobility.
I really wish the politicians, contributors to your newspaper and readers would display the same anger and intolerance at criminals as they display to law abiding citizens who happen to own a firearm.
W. Richard Spearrin
Essex