Gun terminology

To the Editor:

OK, I get it, some Illinoisans either hate or fear guns or fear the idea of their fellow citizens being able to defend themselves. In either case, they live in the right state. Illinois is the only state that does not allow its citizens to carry defensive weapons.

If you want to rail against guns or the NRA, please do; it’s your right. But, please, at least learn enough about what you fear or hate to form a valid opinion and a logical argument.

To wit, the incessant misuse of the term “assault weapons.” Assault weapons are illegal in Illinois. You can’t buy one; you can’t own one; and Illinois manufacturers of assault weapons (yes, they exist) can’t transfer one to an Illinois resident.

Residents of the other 49 states can buy assault weapons, but only if they can find a Class III retailer (obviously, there are none in Illinois), meet the requirements of the National Firearms Act, and pay a $200 transfer tax to the ATF to register the sale and himself, as the gun’s new owner, with the federal government.

So, please, get your terminology right and tell us what you really mean and what you really want.

Patrick Donlea

Crystal Lake