Over my 42 years in Alaska, I’ve loved my life as an outdoorsman and hunter, and still do. Like many Alaskans, I own firearms that are essential to my hunting. I’ve taught my children (now adults) to respect safe use and handling of firearms. We’ve hunted together and continue to do so — a special relationship that brings us close to the land and lifestyle we love.<\/p>\n
But I do not support unlimited ownership of firearms. As we mark the passing of 20 years since the tragic shootings at Columbine High School, I am deeply frustrated, ashamed and remorseful that Alaska and our nation have done so little to rein in preventable gun violence. Yes, we offer gun safety classes for hunters. But we fail to preventatively remove firearms from people who are most likely to hurt themselves and others.<\/p>\n
Why is it that the mass killing of students and teachers at the Colorado high school changed everything and yet nothing?<\/p>\n
“I feel like we have come so far in so many ways, yet we’re still stuck in the same spot,” said Coni Sanders, the daughter of Dave Sanders, the slain Columbine High School teacher. “I never imagined that we would be where we’re at right now, where there are so many mass shootings that we can’t even keep up. … It’s just unfathomable that Columbine wasn’t enough.”<\/p>\n
[Opinion: Alaska can join other states in passing reasonable gun laws]<\/a><\/ins><\/p>\n Knowing there are many ways to curb gun violence without encroaching on my Second Amendment rights, I find it unfathomable that Congress and our state Legislature continue to punt on gun violence, allowing the school death toll to rise and rise.<\/p>\n Did you know that according to The Washington Post, 143 children and teachers have been killed at school with an additional 294 injured by gun violence since the Columbine massacre? Fortunately, some municipalities and state legislatures are stepping up to pass legislation aimed at reducing gun violence.<\/p>\n The red flag law is one such law enacted by a number of states, including the Republican-controlled legislatures of Florida and Indiana. Shooters often display warning signs before committing violent acts. Red flag laws allow family members and law enforcement officials to seek a court order to temporarily prohibit the disturbed shooter from purchasing and possessing guns while the order is in effect.<\/p>\n