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 up gun laws and give more freedom to the residents of Indiana? Pence has not been gone for even a year, and gun control had raised its ugly head in the Republican Party.
In the Indiana Hunting and Trapping Guide for 2017-18, 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 affect regulations for other rifles previously allowed for deer hunting on public land.”
On Page 23, concerning pistol cartridges that have been used on public land, it says, “These rifle cartridges can be used on public and private land.”
Now a correction is sent out 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 with certain pistol calibers had been legal.
Since more high-powered rifle calibers have been added to those with private land, taking away pistol caliber rifles is a slap in the face to common people that only have public land to hunt on. On 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 were the speaker of the House, the pro tem of the Senate and the governor on this issue? Maybe they were out 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, an NRA member and a conservative Christian. I am also proud of my state senator, Eric Koch, and seven other members of the Senate who voted against this infringement on gun rights.
May God bless America. May God bless Indiana and President Donald Trump.
Sincerely,
James Brown, Spearsville Road
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