It’s time for Pa. to disarm domestic abusers
A gun in a domestic violence situation makes it five times more likely that a woman will be murdered, according to the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Everytown for Gun Safety. The Pennsylvania Legislature has an opportunity to reduce the deadly toll of domestic violence by closing the loopholes in current domesticviolence law.
Under Pennsylvania law, an abuser subject to a final protection from abuse order need not relinquish firearms unless ordered by the court, which happens in just 14 percent of cases. And while abusers convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence are required to turn in their firearms, they are given 60 days to comply. Current law also permits abusers to choose the third party who will safeguard their firearms. Pennsylvanians like me believe it’s time to disarm domestic abusers and safely secure their weapons with the passage of Senate Bill 501.
Championed by the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and sponsored by Republican state Sen. Tom Killion, S.B. 501 has bipartisan and law enforcement support. The bill requires domestic abusers to turn in firearms to law enforcement, or a licensed gun dealer, within 48 hours of either a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction, or of being placed under a final PFA order.
Let’s work together to protect victims of domestic abuse; let’s pass S.B. 501 now. BETH BECK South Fayette between bragging about himself.
He also sent in his son Don Jr. and Kellyanne Conway. Don Jr. visited Sarris Candies with Mr. Saccone. I guess the motto was “You like candy? Rick Saccone likescandy. Vote Rick Saccone!”
On March 14, the votes were counted and the verdict is in. Did President Trump, Don Jr. and Kellyanne help get Rick Saccone elected? The best answer can be summed up in a word that people in the Trump circle might truly understand. The answer is “DWAYNE KIGER
Brighton Heights
Politicians are trying to prove the other party guilty until proven innocent.
Donald Trump won the presidential election fair and square, but people aren’t giving him the respect he deserves.
The Hillary Clinton camp is baiting Mr. Trump in many ways to keep his mind off the country. The allegations against him are frivolous and are wasting time and money that the country can ill afford.
The president should be given time to prove himself. BIKRAM KOCHHAR
Penn Hills
After Donald Trump spends millions or billions building his 99 percent-proof wall, if he thinks those trying to cross are like professional mountain climbers — as he stated this week — he had better hope they don’t take up pole vaulting! KEN KENNEDY
Shaler
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notice graves near the ones you are tending that seem not to be tended by family members? Why not adopt one of these? It would cost less than $20 a year.
Maybe the person’s family has moved, is old, can’t drive — who knows? They just do not come, but you can change things andget a nice warm feeling. THOMAS WORRALL
Wilkins
I have a question for the multitude of metropolitan meteorologists. The wind-chill factor is well known. It’s increasingly being given equal time with the actual temperature. But what about the sun-warmth factor? The other day I was out walking in 40-degree weather and was able to take my coat off after a difficult climb because the sun was mercilessly beating down on me. I finished my walk in a T-shirt. It felt like 60 degrees.
There’s an opportunity here for one of our weatherpersons to pioneer the sun-warmth factor, which one day could become as essential as the windchill factor, encouraging more people to turn off their TVs, go outside and enjoy the day.
A legacy moment awaits. Let’s get to work. TOM BALCEREK
Forest Hills