To the editor:
Do you and your readers realize that the Indiana legislature and governor passed a gun control law? After all that Mitch Daniels and Mike Pence did to loosen gun laws and give more freedom to the citizens of Indiana. Mike Pence has not been gone for even a year and gun control has raised its ugly head in the Republican Party.
In the Indiana Hunting and Trapping Guide for 2017-2018, the law concerning legal hunting guns is explained on pages 6 and 23. On page 6, it says, “In 2016, the Indiana general assembly passed a law to approve certain high powered rifles for deer hunting on private land only. In 2017, language was adopted to add more options to the year-old law. The changes do not reflect regulations for other rifles previously allowed for deer hunting on private land.”
On page 23, concerning piston cartridges that have been used on public land, it says, “these rifle cartridges can be used on public or private land.” Now, a correction is sent to hunters at this late date before the season opens that states, “Due to legislation passed by the general assembly, hunters can no longer use rifles when hunting on public land, both federal and state property.” Before the change, the use of rifles and certain pistols had been legal.
Since more high power rifle calibers have been added to those with private land, taking away pistol caliber rifles is a slap to the common people that only have public land to hunt on. On the one hand, they gave more rights to the rich and on the other, they took away rights from the poor. It reminds me of what Jesus said about the Pharisees in Matthew 23:3 — “for they say and do not.” On the campaign trail, Republicans are against gun control, but in the legislature they vote for it.
Proverbs 24:21 reminds us to fear the Lord and the king and meddle not with them that are given to change. Where was the speaker of the House, the pro tem of the Senate and the governor on this issue? Maybe they were on some political junket? I think all three are city slickers and don’t give a hoot about rural people.
I must say I am a Republican, a NRA member and a conservative Christian. I am also proud my State Sen. Eric Koch and seven other members of the senate voted against this infringement on gun rights. May God bless America. May God bless Indiana and President Donald Trump.
James Brown
Morgantown
