Where’s common sense in firearms legislation?

So-called “common sense” anti-firearm proposals are a major policy plank (prank?) from the left side of the aisle in Olympia as well as the other Washington, these days. On the table here in our state right now (SB 5340 and HB 1286) are good examples of gross hypocrisy typically at play on the political stage everywhere.

Recently the governor decided to void hundreds of prior convictions for marijuana, because now it is legal in this state. The quality of mercy is not so restrained when it comes to firearms issues. The current proposals make it illegal to possess magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds — including those legally purchased previously — outside the home or property. So it would be a felony to be found with the magazine that was purchased 100 precent in compliance with the existing laws at the time. I think this would set a very dangerous legal precedent to turn ordinary citizens into felons. We already have more than enough of those, don’t we?

Putting aside inverse, converse and contrapositive arguments, I gotta ask Attorney General Bob Ferguson what common sense is at work here? How about focusing on things that might actually prevent the murder of our children as well as each other.

Andy Branca

Camano Island

Editor’s note: As written, both bills would allow possession of large-capacity magazines and assault weapons if legally obtained before the law’s effective date.