Response to Kilmer visit to Herald office

Response to Kilmer visit to Herald office

It’s time I weighed in on the gun control issue. After reading about Rep. Derek Kilmer’s visit to the North Kitsap Herald’s office, as reported in the April 6, 2018 edition of that publication, I wanted to challenge the comments he was quoted as making.

We should feel safe and comfortable when considering the legislation he discussed … The “Stop School Violence Act.” I know if Patrick Edward Purdy, Eric Harris, Dylan Klebold, Kip Kenkel, Seung-Hui Cho and the 50 or so other individuals since 1840 who committed school shootings would have been aware of this redundant legislation, all would have had no second thoughts about pulling their triggers on school grounds.

It’s simply more ridiculous “feel good” legislation that does nothing. It doesn’t stop there. Mr. Kilmer also thinks the House Resolution 5087 the “Assault Weapons Ban of 2018” is good law. As seen on their Congressional website, he signed onto that legislation.

During his visit to the Herald, he referred to agreeing with more “common sense” legislation to stop gun violence. It’s interesting that he didn’t mention HR 5087, which is a total ban on literally hundreds of semi-auto (non-military type) firearms. If enacted, this law would require a license to possess these types of firearms, even though the owner may have never broken any laws. Mr. Kilmer and his ilk are nothing more than detached politicians who blame the great majority of gun crimes on all those who obey the law.

Mr. Kilmer avoids the truth about gun violence at all costs. He stops short of discussing the problem of mental illness and gun violence, which is really exacerbated by the pharmaceutical companies’ desire to make profits.

How much money does Mr. Kilmer take in through pledges from the drug companies? These companies advocate over-prescription of behavior modification medication (Prozac and other antidepressants and antipsychotics). Investigations have shown that a great number of shooters have been under the influence of these drugs.

Oxycotin and fentanyl are also drugs that have been manufactured, recklessly marketed and over-prescribed by a rapacious medical community. This has resulted in a horrendous addiction problem for thousands of Americans. Yet Mr. Kilmer and his colleagues in Congress do nothing but attempt to point fingers at gun manufacturers and lawful gun owners.

Until Mr. Kilmer addresses the truth in these issues, he cannot be counted on as a leader in the 6th Congressional District of Washington state.

Barry Clemons

Poulsbo