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Mike Boeck is a life-long gun owner — as are my husband and I. Mike will protect our Second Amendment rights. And he will do so without paranoia and hysteria.

Instead of focusing on important issues like job creation, environment, infrastructure, etc., there are those who take the Chicken Little approach: they’re taking our guns away, they’re taking our guns. Who are the mysterious “they” anyway?

In 1993, Owens, D-NY, introduced HJR 81 to repeal the Second Amendment. There were no co-sponsors and that effort died an unmemorable death. (Note: 1993 — 25 years ago.)

Currently S162 which affects only residents of Washington, D.C., introduced 1/17/17 by Rubio, R-Florida, languishes in the Homeland Security committee. HR5087 to regulate assault weapons, introduced by Cicilline, D, RI, 2/26/18, resides in the House judiciary committee, homeland security sub-committee.

Any amendment to repeal the Second Amendment requires approval by two-thirds of both houses in D.C. followed by ratification by three-fourths of the states. That process would take years and ultimately fail.

Common-sense regulations such as a uniform background check administered by law enforcement — the people we depend on to protect us 24/7 — are needed. This would not be taking your guns away but it would be a step toward keeping them out of the hands of persons guilty of crimes and those found mentally unstable by the medical profession.

Please help me send Mike Boeck, a life-long, sensible gun owner, to Boise to represent everyone in District I.

HELEN NEWTON

Sandpoint