Dennis Tuuri

Full PEAPAC Analysis

PEAPAC Explanation: If passed, Measure 5 would expand the current background check requirement for sales of guns at gun shows.

One of the darkest times in Old Testament history came about when the Philistines (the bad guys) had an iron and weapon monopoly, and thus dominated the Israelites (the good guys). Gun control laws have not produced less crime and a safer populace in modern Europe or the United States. In some countries, these laws have preceded governmental tyranny. And in other countries and areas (such as Washington D.C.) gun control laws have produced an unarmed populace, and an armed criminal element, and higher crime. To expect law enforcement agencies to be able to handle the resultant rise in criminal activity is foolish. An armed citizenry is a strong deterrent against crime, which is why the gun was called a “peacemaker” in the Old West.

The current administration in our nation’s capital seems to believe that guns in the hands of law-abiding Americans are more of a threat than U.S. nuclear weapons technology, in the hands of Chinese communists. Our country suffers from a radical misperception of the role of guns in a civilized society. We all want to see criminals and madmen denied access to guns. But we do not believe Measure 5 will take us any closer to this goal. It will simply be another government intrusion into free market transactions of good citizens. And it will increase the expense in time and money for good citizens as they seek to purchase peacemakers and guns for sporting purposes. North Plains Police Chief Gary McKenzie is right on target when he says “Measure 5 will do nothing to reduce crime or violence. What it will do is create one more hurdle for law abiding Oregonians to exercise a right that I have a sworn duty to protect.” We recommend a No vote on Measure 5.