Sen. Kelly Ayotte marched in the Hillsboro balloonfest parade last Sunday. I took the opportunity to speak with her while waiting for step-off from the school parking lot.
I asked Sen. Ayotte why on earth the U.S. Senate has been unable to pass common-sense legislation on gun control, when a large majority of citizens – including gun owners – agree on measures like “no fly no buy” and universal background checks on purchases.
The senator stated the “gun-show loophole” was an overestimate of the number of firearms purchased at shows. She also said she didn’t want “to debate” me (her words) since she was there to march. She walked away to her bus after two or three minutes.
The senator is correct in that the possibility that up to 40 percent of firearms bought at shows are without background checks is hard to substantiate.
Several frequently cited studies are from the 1980s and ’90s. While it is true that federally licensed dealers are required to check, and the majority of gun-show sellers are licensed, it is also true that the distinction between “dealer” and “private seller” is murky at best. What is clear is that a significant number of sales do occur without background checks; this is a lapse we need to correct.
Nor did I appreciate Sen. Ayotte’s unwillingness to engage in anything like a substantial discussion of the issue. There was plenty of time as we waited for the parade to start.
The contact left me with the distinct feeling that she is not the person I want representing us in the U.S. Senate.
MIKE BRADLEY
Hillsboro