Children will encounter scenarios legislation can’t prevent (“Kids and Guns,” Letters, 4/4). The suggestion — to “hold gun owners accountable for responsibly storing their guns” as an alternative solution — is focused on legislating the aftermath of horrific events rather than preventing them.
Derek LeBlanc has worked diligently with representatives on both sides of the aisle presenting prevention-based legislation. I’ve attended his course and witnessed his dedication to inform children about a real-life scenario if they encounter a firearm that is not “responsibly stored.”
I sympathize with concerns about “firearm safety for first graders,” but have you read the bill? The classes are nonpolitical; they neither encourage nor discourage gun ownership. At no time may any real firearm or live ammunition be used or possessed during the class. They’re a half-hour each year during recess. Parents are given notice so they may opt out and children can go to recess rather than participating.
While taboo for parents who don’t own guns, I recommend considering LeBlanc’s program, regardless of whether the bill passes. Treating this subject with fear-mongering ignorance isn’t going to prevent accidents.
Regardless of your ideologies about gun ownership, this bill is focused on giving children necessary information that could save lives. It is deeply disappointing anyone would oppose this bill, saying it’s “wrong to put the burden of firearm safety on children.”
You are accepting the burden of your children not being prepared for these real life scenarios, and the responsibility for accidents it could prevent.
Randall Bonner
Corvallis
A Note From the Publisher
Dear Readers,
The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.
That’s because of you!
Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.
Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.
We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.
And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.
None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.
As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.
Thank you for standing with us!
Publisher
Eugene Weekly
P.S. If you’d like to talk about supporting EW, I’d love to hear from you!
jody@eugeneweekly.com
(541) 484-0519
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