Mandate training for new firearm buyers

WE NEED some hard common sense discussion regarding the recent spate of mass shootings, and we need to recognize some hard realities.

1. The Second Amendment is here to stay. 2. Americans are not going to give up their guns. Therefore, instead we need a new frame-breaking approach. I suggest we start as follows: Instead of castigating the NRA, we need to recognize what it has to offer. A site of contact, and firearms education with a membership, affiliated gun clubs and experience in firearms education that can be a national educational asset similar to hunter education programs, to train and mentor first-time gun owners. It, and the Defense Civilian Marksmanship programs can be subsidized to mentor, educate and guide responsible gun ownership.

First-time gun buyers, before they could purchase a firearm, would be directed to a local gun club where they would be taught and mentored by volunteers subsidized by federal grants to use and handle firearms in a responsible manner, tested, and certified. Once certified their firearm purchase could proceed — similar to driving school, testing and licensing we currently have for first-time drivers. The program would only apply to new first time seekers of gun ownership. Current gun owners would be exempt from the program although, if they desired it, they could apply.

The costs of such a program, while perhaps is some $10 million, would be a pittance compared to the lives and costs of the mass shootings now commonly occurring in across the land. We have the assets: the gun clubs and shooting organizations of this country, with a rehabilitated NRA as an organizational pivot and its historic commitment to gun safety and education, plus all the lessons learned from hunter education and affiliated youth programs around the country. With the support of our citizens and political institutions we can stop the few and educate the many ....

PETER A. LUPSHA Tomé