To The Editor:
Having just read the Burlington Free Press article of January 21, 2015, on the three-month investigation by Everytown for Gun Safety, I am shocked to know how many people can purchase guns from unlicensed dealers. The investigation found that 1 in 24 people trying to buy guns online, in parking lots near the border of Massachusetts and New York and at flea markets are dangerous individuals with criminal histories. Some are convicted criminals, drug traffickers and domestic violence abusers. These people would be denied firearms if purchased at a federally licensed gun dealer.
This is the loophole we are trying to close. No one should be allowed to obtain a firearm without a background check. It is not asking for much. After all, we do background checks for job applications, driver's licenses and volunteer work (i.e., Meals On Wheels drivers). How can we not do this for a gun purchase?
This report comes as the top Democratic Senate leadership is preparing Vermont legislation that would try to curtail guns from getting into the hands of criminals, domestic abusers and the seriously mentally ill without background checks. We cannot keep firearms from all criminals; however, this is a move that will improve our system, protecting the public and still respect our second amendment.
Carole Crossman
Warren
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