Letters to the Editor: March 14, 2021

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Increase in firearms highlights need for gun range

Every couple of years, we hear from the media that there is an ongoing spike/surge in the sales of firearms to the general public because of worldly happenings whether it be a pandemic or some political turmoil. But does anyone give thought to what happens to these newly purchased fire arms? Well, they more than likely go into a box onto a shelf in the closet or into a bureau draw and sit unattended and unused.

Why are these guns left just sitting at home where a child can more than likely pick one up and become involved in an accident and maybe, with no intention, shooting someone? Why? Because our ludicrously stupid, dumber than dumb politicians refuse to get off their fat arses and give the people the necessary gun ranges that is needed. They are needed for gun owners to take their families to so as to educate them (in particular the children) in proper handling of firearms.

It is time for the people to take action and demand today, not tomorrow, gun ranges to facilitate the proper use and safe handling of these oft times neglected firearms. After all, shooting is a recognized sport at many high schools (even in Hawaii) and colleges and it is a recognized Olympic sport. So what does one do with “dumber than dumb politicians” that believe in dictating our lifestyles? You vote the SOBs out of office! Firearms registrations for 2019 were 6,995 and in 2020 they increased to 11,084. A total of some 18,000 permits in two years or better yet 18,000 votes for shooting ranges.

Hugo von Platen Luder

Holualoa

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The problem is in you

I almost never read Dennis Gregory’s “Making Waves” column and scanning his item in the Thursday edition reminded me of why. He leads it with the assertion: “They’re banning Dr. Seuss books.” That is false. Nobody is “banning” the books. The publisher and the estate of the late Theodor Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss) agreed to stop printing any new editions of six out of his library of more than 60 published books because they contain racist and insensitive images. A statement from Dr. Seuss Enterprises explained: “These books portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong [and] ceasing sales of these books is part of our commitment to represent and support all communities and families.” Mr. Gregory, if you take issue with that attitude — to use your own words — the problem is in you.

Alan Silverman

Kailua-Kona

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Out with the old

I’m wondering if Parker Ranch will ever do a ranch-wide clean up. They put up a lot of new fences but as far as I can tell they never take down the nasty old ones when the new ones are up. There are piles of rusty barbed wire, old stock tanks and unused rusty junk scattered everywhere. It seems to me as the Hawaiian king was kind enough to give them the ranch the least they could do is take care of the aina.

James Penny

Waimea

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Letters policy

Letters to the editor should be 300 words or less and will be edited for style and grammar. Longer viewpoint guest columns may not exceed 800 words. Submit online at www.westhawaiitoday.com/?p=118321, via email to letters@westhawaiitoday.com or address them to:

Editor

West Hawaii Today

PO Box 789

Kailua-Kona, HI 96745