Alaska's two U.S. Senators, Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich, have both voted against background checks for persons wishing to buy guns. These two senators have explained their "nay" votes by saying that they think there may be a "better way" to keep guns out of the hands of criminals. I think that's hogwash.
I think that to vote against background checks for gun purchasers on the excuse that there might be a "better" way to safeguard the public makes as much sense as being faced with a fire in one's home but deciding not to use the kitchen's fire extinguisher in hopes of finding a "better" way to fight the fire.
The fact is, we here in the U.S. are now facing a nationwide "brushfire" of firearms abuse, and requiring background checks for persons wishing to buy guns is a viable, doable and effective way to help combat this threat.
Shame on both Murkowski and Begich for turning their backs on the people of Alaska.
— Stephan Paliwoda
Anchorage