Don’t punish all gun owners for sins of a few

Iwrite regarding the letter from Lois Schaffer in the April 21 issue of the New Hyde Park Herald Courier.

The long letter complains about assault rifles and no such firearm exists. We are talking about semi-automatic rifles.

In 1903 the Remington Firearm Company introduced its first semi-automatic centerfire rifle with a detachable magazine. It was so successful that in 1907 Winchester introduced its first semi-automatic centerfire rifle with a detachable magazine.

For just over 120 years, any honest American has been able to purchase such a device. An AR-15 rifle is no different.

The Herald has an agenda that is very un- pleasant in my view. That is to disarm the American people. That pesky Second Amendment is hated by the Herald organization and the Bill of Rights be damned!

Please know that millions of law-abiding Americans use their semi-automatic firearms every day for lawful purposes.

They will not be punished for the actions of criminals and deranged persons. Any attempt to do so is doomed to failure.

James G. Collins Floral Park Long Island Director New York State Rifle and Pistol Association