Re: Lax gun ownership rules need to be tightened, June 17 letter.
Editor: Letter writer Arthur Hayhoe refers to the SKS as a cheap assault rifle and everyman's assault rifle. Perhaps a history lesson is in order.
The SKS, a self-loading carbine, was developed by the Soviets during World War II as their top-of-the-line, high-quality service rifle. The SKS was used during the Battle of Berlin. After World War II, the SKS was manufactured in East Germany, Yugoslavia, the People's Republic of China and North Korea.
In 1947, the Soviets developed the AK-47, and the SKS came obsolete, although some were still used during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. Because of its history and tradition, the SKS was carried by the Soviet honor guard units and drill teams until the collapse of the Soviet Union.
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives considered the SKS a "curio and relic" suitable for collector status.
Today, the SKS is traded and appreciated among collectors and historians as are Winchesters, Kentucky/Pennsylvania rifles, flintlocks and other historical artifacts.
-- Eric Stallworth, Holiday
Gun thieves avoid background checks
Editor: While I applaud letter writer Arthur Hayhoe's effort to visit the troubled community of Lacoochee and learn of the residents' concerns, his letter, in which he rails against the cheap and readily available SKS, omits the fact that the SKS possibly used in the slaying of Lt. Charles Harrison was a legally owned gun that had been reported stolen. Therefore, the legal owner had indeed passed a background check when he obtained the rifle in question. Stolen guns are frequently used by people to commit crimes, including murder, and obviously can't be regulated by a background check on the thief or thieves who take them.
Also, the letter fails to mention that the person charged with murder in the slaying of Lt. Harrison could have obtained an SKS or any other long gun legally, as it has been reported that a background check would not have prevented his owning a firearm.
At the recent gun show at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, I saw several federal and state agents checking vendors to ensure that they were selling firearms in accordance with state and federal laws. With this law enforcement presence at gun shows, it would be extremely difficult, not to mention very stupid, for a seller to sell a gun without doing the required background check.
-- Ed Estes, Dade City
Funeral service showed community that cared
Editor: I would like to take this opportunity to comment on the funeral service for Lt. Charles "Bo" Harrison. As the owner and operator of Dobies Funeral Home, I would like to express my gratitude and give recognition to those who deserve such for their roles in Lt. Harrison's service.
The Honor Guard was explicit in its role and showed great professionalism. Sheriff Bob White delivered one of the finest tributes I have seen for a fallen officer. I was proud to have assisted the Milton Funeral Home with the arrangements for Lt. Harrison and was honored to have been able to show my support for all our fine officers.
Lt. Harrison was a personal friend of mine, and I know that he will be missed not only by myself but by his fellow officers, the people of Pasco County and the east side of the Dade City community.
-- Thomas B. Dobies, New Port Richey
Historic church's care shifts to taxpayers
Editor: Is New Port Richey going to use the Community Redevelopment Agency money to finish the historic church? That will come to more than $500,000 when completed.
The former Our Lady Queen of Peace Church was supposed to be completed by the West Pasco Historical Society. When Peter Altman was mayor of New Port Richey, he referenced that the city would assist in moving the historic church. It would then be the responsibility of the West Pasco Historical Society to maintain the church.
Council member Ginny Miller, who sits on the Historical Society executive board, managed to have New Port Richey take over the funding totally.
Now, New Port Richey owns the church, thus, placing the responsibility for the upkeep of the church in the hands of the city taxpayers.
-- Justin Billings, New Port Richey
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