The column that appeared in the May 6th Journal, “Guns and Rights”, has valid points, but the opinions of Mr. Ryan are certainly not as precise as he believes them to be.
The column that appeared in the May 6th Journal, “Guns and Rights”, has valid points, but the opinions of Mr. Ryan are certainly not as precise as he believes them to be.
First I would like to put some perspective on the recent (federal) gun ban. The method in which it was done is unconstitutional. That is a direct attack on all Canadians’ rights. This is the argument that all gun sporting shooters and owners are concerned with.
I do agree that we have the right to an honest government, something that the
current government has not delivered, given all its scandals, but that’s another subject.
Our constitution prevents the exact actions to add or modify gun laws under an Order In Council. The fact that it was done on the heels of one of the worst tragedies in recent history, and without a vote in the House or Senate, is a violation of the freedoms and “rights” which Mr. Ryan did not mention in his column.
Furthermore, how can he possibly know that none of the members of the shooting and hunting community (over 2.1 million strong) in Canada don’t already advocate for free college education, a cleaner environment or better care for seniors. I know I certainly do.
The hunting community spends millions of dollars every year for wildlife management and environmental cleaning. The costs of our hunting permits directly fund these, among our other financial supports. Many gun clubs, organizations, firearms and ammunition manufacturers, distributors and shop owners, often have fundraising events for senior centers, scholarship programs, and the list goes on.
Mr. Ryan’s column rests on very limited knowledge. My message to him is, “First things come first”, should always include that he get all the facts before presenting a biased opinion piece.
Bernard St-Aubin
MUNICIPALITY OF PONTIAC
