From: Dart Liebrandt
Columbus
There has been a lot of talk about common-sense gun laws, specifically background checks and barring felons from purchasing firearms. However, the federal laws already exist and have since 1993.
In accordance with federal laws 18 U.S.C. 923, 18 U.S.C. 921-931 and 27 CFR Part 478: All federal firearms licensees (FFLs), i.e., gun shops and gun dealers at gun shows, must have the person purchasing a firearm fill out an ATF Form 4473 (firearms transaction record). The FFLs must review the form to see if any of the answers disallows someone from purchasing a firearm.
Next, federal law 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44, the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993, requires FFLs call the FBI National Instant Criminal Background Check System for a background check of the purchaser. Only upon review of the ATF Form 4473 and cleared by an FBI background check can the FFLs allow the purchaser to purchase and have possession of the firearm.
At gun shows there is always an ATF agent and local law enforcement officers to ensure compliance with federal, state and local laws. I have asked concerned people, “What is this loophole?” They cannot tell me what it is. So how can we address it?
In The Republic on June 28, an article, “Donnelly calls for ‘common sense’ no-fly list gun sales ban,” mentions Congress should pass gun control legislation to bar felons from purchasing firearms. However, the federal laws already exist. I sent an email two weeks ago to Senator Donnelly informing him the federal laws already exist.
My question is, “What are the criteria for being put on the no-fly list?” Is one of them being a terrorist? Great, but who and/or what criteria are used to classify someone as a terrorist? Especially concerning comments made by the current administration within the last three years. Specifically:
• The president told a small crowd of reporters outside the White House that today’s tea party members in the U.S. very closely fit the U.S. government profile for domestic terrorists.
• The vice president accused the tea party Republicans of acting like terrorists.
• House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi called tea partiers and allies “legislative arsonists.”
• Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid called tea partiers “‘anarchists.”
• Rep. Peter King used the word “terrorists” to describe Sen. Ted Cruz and his allies.
So who or what classifies someone as a terrorist to be added to the no-fly list? Is it because they are a member of the tea party or a Republican?
I am a veteran and have dedicated my life to protect the freedoms accorded us by the U.S. Constitution. Therefore, I would like to see it followed and adhered to. Hopefully that does not classify me as a terrorist.
