If one was to review the ancient premise of the "right to bear arms" this would apply to times in our country when there were no organized and trained law enforcement agencies applicable to the federal, state, county and local governments. It must be firmly stated that guns belong in the hands of our military and our police departments. We must laud the efforts of State Assemblywoman Joan Quigley, Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy, Police Chief Tom Comey, Director Sam Jefferson and Deputy Director Juan Perez in their efforts to control the sale of firearms in our community. The one gun a month bill is a start; however the legislation must go further in the area of gun control.
The crime statistics will indicate that gun crimes are on the rise in Jersey City and other areas of our state and country. The premise is plain and simple - if the guns were not readily available, certainly the crimes involving the weapons would decrease. Recently a New Jersey State Commission of Investigation report criticized the trafficking of ammunition in New Jersey. The report stated that anyone including convicted felons, gang members and suspected terrorists can buy bullets - people should not have unrestricted access to the ammunition that makes guns deadly.
Jersey City possesses the finest police department in the country - let us assist these great men and women in blue by supporting all legislation that will remove guns and ammunition from our streets.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert B. Knapp
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