I must comment on Gail Collins’ column on May 14-15, 2021 “Nobody’s telling who sold the gun.”
She’s a journalist for the New York Times which isn’t exactly noted for unbiased impartial reporting of news.
Taking issue with the Tiahrt Amendment which limits the release of specific tracing data of firearms to law enforcement investigations and prosecutions, she’s concerned about a terrible shooting and not knowing where the killer got the gun presuming it should become common knowledge for the public.
This information. if released, would let everyone know where and who possess firearms which consequently could contribute to the abuse of the anti-gunner’s Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO) laws.
She laments that Tiahrt also limits the FBI’s ability to keep background check data requiring its destruction.
This amendment was preceded by the Firearms Owner Protection Act.
These keep from establishing a registry of gun owners guarding against possible government confiscation.
She bemoans the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act which shields firearms manufacturers and dealers from liability for gun crimes.
They still can be held liable for damages resulting from defective products like any U.S.-based manufacturer of consumer products.
It was passed to protect firearm dealers and manufactures from frivolous politically motivated lawsuits by gun prohibitionists.
She extols the introduction of The Gun Records Restoration and Preservation Act allowing release of tracing data to the public.
Just what the anti-Second Amendment, radical left-wing liberals desire to initiate a registry and confiscation scheme.
Roger M. Foszcz
Port Angeles