Gun control, concealed weapons permits, LGBT, new name for brewery
Democrats change their tune
Re “President cheers on Democrats’ push for gun control measures, says ‘different steps’ needed” (Page 1A, June 17): When the Bush administration enacted the Patriot Act, Democrats wailed and gnashed their teeth about all the civil liberties that would be violated by the unconstitutional watch lists. I know because I was one of them. However, now that one of these watch lists can be used to disenfranchise (mostly conservative) gun owners, suddenly we all trust the government to hand out justice without due process.
So, which is it, Democrats? Is the “Terrorism Watch List” an unconstitutional abridgment of civil liberties, or is it a wonderful program used to punish those evil gun owners? You can’t have it both ways.
Brian Bainter, Elk Grove
We need to protect ourselves
Re “Democratic supervisor, GOP sheriff clash on concealed weapons funding” (Local, June 17) and “Let the sheriff pay for his gun priority” (Editorials, June 17): If Sacramento County does not want to subsidize concealed weapon permits, change the law to allow the Sheriff’s Department to charge more. If the concern is too many people applying, maybe a higher fee will discourage applications.
We used to live in a safe area. But after a drive-by shooting outside our house, a daytime shooting up the street and gunshots nearby almost every night, it’s clear our area is no longer safe. What we need are sensible gun control laws to stop the criminals, not laws that deny law-abiding citizens the right to protect themselves.
Chris Cummings, Sacramento
People more than just LGBT
Re “Preacher stirs outrage by praising massacre” (Local, June 15): LGBT does not define who a person is. We are not defined by our gender identity, but by our contributions to this world which we all share. LGBT people are our friends, our co-workers, our relatives. They are our doctors, lawyers, educators, entertainers, philanthropists, businesspeople.
The wealth of creativity, intelligence and hard work from human beings who just happen to be LGBT has benefited untold scores of people of all persuasions. People like Roger Jimenez need to stop seeing a block of undifferentiated “others” and appreciate the positive contributions of people who, like straight people, want to help make this world a better place.
Paula Howe, Placerville
Bonehead brew needs a name
Re “Special Ed’s Brewery vandalized; owner may change name” (Local, June 17): I hope the vandals are caught, as violence is unnecessary. That said, perhaps the owner could rename his business “Bonehead Brewery.”
Rebecca Sharad, Sacramento
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This story was originally published June 18, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Gun control, concealed weapons permits, LGBT, new name for brewery."