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California’s latest gun-control law is unfair

Nate Woodward, manager of Sacramento Black Rifle, displays 9 mm pistol magazines at his Citrus Heights store last year. The 10-round magazine on the left side of the photo is the only one that will be legal to possess in California as of July 1, under a suite of new gun laws state voters and lawmakers passed last year.
Nate Woodward, manager of Sacramento Black Rifle, displays 9 mm pistol magazines at his Citrus Heights store last year. The 10-round magazine on the left side of the photo is the only one that will be legal to possess in California as of July 1, under a suite of new gun laws state voters and lawmakers passed last year. RANDY PENCH The Sacramento Bee file

I find it curious that California gun-control advocates hailed the passage of the state law banning gun magazines of more than 10 rounds believing that, as Ari Freilich stated in your front page article June 26, they have “no legitimate self-defense value.”

I disagree. Progressive laws and court decisions have applied our First Amendment rights to cover flag burnings and pornography. Why not apply the 14th Amendment, the right of equal protection under the law, to citizens as well as law enforcement personnel?

Videos of police worldwide show AR-15 and AK-47 type weapons with long, 30-round magazines for use against criminals and terrorists, so why in California can’t the people protect themselves in the same manner?

One might argue that police run toward danger and need enhanced firepower for protection. I say, the danger they are running toward is these same criminals and terrorists imposing their will on us, the citizens.

Vern Lund, Madera

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This story was originally published June 28, 2017 at 1:22 PM with the headline "California’s latest gun-control law is unfair."

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