Discussion of I-594 details is now a moot point, however I found Art Ellison’s rejection comments superficial, and questioning of wealthy funders’ intents demonizing and without basis (“I-594: Some things to think about,” page A15, Oct. 31 Herald).
Most obvious was his omission (avoidance?) of what voters should consider regarding the intents and objectives of competing I-591. Its senseless “status quo” and diversionary intent, coupled with a websearch of sponsor Gotttlieb’s bio, tactics and felony (tax evasion) history, made that an easy “no” vote for me.
Ellison suggested I-594 rejection because of wealthy independent support. I agree with his concerns about big money’s political influencing (see Seattle Times article on Nov. 10, page A3). Big money’s influence began when “dark money” non-profits were allowed to funnel unlimited donations through Super PACs. However, rules of the game sadly being what we’ve allowed them to become, I welcome transparency of sincere, wealthy independents, as I know who they are and what they stand for (plus less subject to outside big-money influence).
Conditions are prime for supporting a gun responsibility initiative since the Marysville Pilchuck High School student gun killings (after all, the 15-year-old killer acquired the murder weapon somehow). Strange the media hasn’t expressed more concern about this; are they being kind during grieving? No doubt the gun culture hopes it fades away.
I sought the position of I-594’s opponents and donors (principally, the NRA and associated advocates) on Child Access Protection (CAP) legislation in Washington and found such was presented in the 2013-14 session of the state Legislature as HB 1676 (see Danny Westneat’s Oct. 29 Seattle Times column). HB 1676 proposed holding gun owners criminally liable for not keeping guns secured from kids younger than 16 (with logical exceptions) — which responsible gun owners say they do anyway (even “gun-happy” Texas has a CAP law to protect kids up to age 18!).
Per Westneat’s article, the local NRA lobbyist “freaked out” and told legislators the proposed HB was “about nothing more than demonizing firearms!” Our gutless House of Representatives collapsed under NRA lobbying and HB 1676 was quietly swept under the rug.
Such CAP regulations are sensible, reasonable, and crying out to be on our next ballot. I’m looking forward to the NRA’s position and voters’ reaction to that one.
Jim Mossman
Kingston
