Duckworth article on guns a moderate, sensible view

As a moderate Republican I find little in the Sun-Sentinel that I can agree with. I was pleasantly surprised by your publishing an outstanding article by Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth on gun control. (Opinion, Dec. 23). She was right on target. As a former military officer, my weapon of choice was a semi-automatic carbine. It was designed for the military as a killing machine for close combat. No civilian needs such a weapon. I would totally ban its possession outside of the military.

Going a step further, I would put into effect a gun control program along the following lines:

1. Only persons who can prove they are American citizens should be able to own any type of gun.

2. Anyone desiring to own a gun must have a background check to include a polygraph test to make sure they didn’t want the gun for an illegal purpose.

3. They must apply for a gun permit (we do that for drivers licenses, why not for guns?) which would include a photo and fingerprinting, renewable every 5 years.

4. Illegal possession of a gun would result in a year in jail for first offense, 2 to 5 years for a second offense and 10 years for a third offense. Tough rules? You bet, but that’s what we need to protect our citizens.

The need for gun control hit home for me last month when I learned that a very bright and dear friend, despondent over certain events in his professional life and a very heavy drinker, was able to buy a gun without a problem and commit suicide. Tragic beyond words.

Howard Hatoff,