Firearm safety is only possible through individual responsibility not by a rush to disenfranchise and discredit those who use them. True firearm safety cannot be legislated but must be learned and practiced.
We are fortunate here in Juneau to have a group of individuals who recognize the importance of providing a safe and secure learning environment for those of us who are interested in firearms. Dan Miller and his partners in Juneau Mercantile & Armory are dedicated to safe and responsible firearm use.
To those who have attempted to impugn the integrity of Dan Miller I pose this question. Where were your questions and concerns during the lengthy permitting process?
Juneau Mercantile & Armory poses no threat to the community or its citizens but consolidates many desirable firearms venues already existing in Juneau in one location. It will also offer the opportunity to experience a variety of firearms in a safe, secure environment and provide jobs for the community. The partners in Juneau Mercantile & Armory live, work and spend their money locally. They’ve earned and deserve our support.
Judith Karsten
Auke Bay
Comments (14)
Add commentResposibility
Well stated. Anyone that disagrees with this explanation would have to be a complete idiot, or deliberately and illegally trying to sabotage the business.
I have known Dan Miller for
I have known Dan Miller for over ten years. He is a honest, hard working, stand up guy.
I have known the "work" of the so called VFP, & believe they are just a bunch of out of touch ( with reality) control freaks, who contribute nothing of value to our community.
The City has already approved the permit for Juneau Mercantile & Armory, a business that will not only help to create jobs, but will provide a service to the community by teaching fire arm safety.
It would be beyond unfair to now revoke the legally issued permit after so much time, & money has been spent of this very worthy project.
Comment
I agree with the letter and the two comment posters. Until this facility is constructed there is a great indoor range open to the public on Montana Creek Road. Hours of operation can be seen on the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website.
not quite
"True firearm safety cannot be legislated but must be learned and practiced."
I agree entirely about the learning and practicing statement. But in many activities which have the potential to harm and injure others, there is a legislative requirement to demonstrate proficiency and competency.
You must take a driver's exam and pass regular eye exams before you can get a driver's license. Heck, if you want to become a cosmetologist or plumber you need to pass an exam. Same for being a pilot or engineer or doctor.
What's wrong with requiring a license for gun ownership, which includes mandatory safety training, background checks, and basic competency such as eye exams? This would absolutely not be in conflict with the 2nd Amendment, as has already been affirmed by the Supreme Court.
The new range (and the existing range) could be important components of the gun safety solution.
Latitude58...
I'm wondering when your way of thinking will start requiring a permit to breath oxygen in Alaska.
You are correct, many things do require licensing and permitting. And many times those laws are legislated to tip the scales so that new businesses cannot open and operate against current competition. Let's look at electricians, refrigeration technicians, fire alarm technicians, daycare, even street vendors!
Even permits for recreational activities. Next up and coming are permits for hiking, oh wait, the US Forest Service is charging for parking at trail heads. Not too far to get to the point you are charged an annual permit for any trail hiking. Look at boating. How many permits are needed for that? Buy a boat, pay a tax, make sure you register it, don't forget a fee to use the boat ramps. Never ends does it?
I'm about done with all the crap permitting laws on the books. The people who support them have a vested interest in them. Those that are opposed to these laws are those that have not yet even dreamed of opening a business in the field.
I won't support any legislator that tries to pass even more mandates on businesses or permitting requirements of any type. There are enough laws on the books already!
So Wren
Are you proposing that NO licenses should be required for anything?
I take your point about the number of licenses that don't appear to enhance public safety, but are you seriously suggesting that electricians shouldn't be licensed? Nor fire alarm professionals. I suppose elevator technicians warrant the same level of disrespect from you.
I was pretty specific about licenses for activities that have the potential to harm people. Driving cars. Performing medicine. Yes, being a commercial electrician, fire alarm or elevator technician. And yeah, owning a gun.
As far as your little tantrum about paying boat launch fees and such...irrelevant. Make the gun license free if that's an issue. It's about enforcing training and competency, not revenue.
Well sure,
if Dan Miller were proposing a public market, or a batting cage, or a pizza place, this letter would have merit given the level of public outrage. However, we're talking about a private armory with fully automatic weapons. If you expected a normal permitting process then you were dreaming. This is a completely legal process. The Juneau city limits stem as far as you can drive otherwise there wouldn't be a problem here putting one out the road where very few people would have a say.
The hard-working Juneauites don't deserve a greenlight for just anything. Things have to be approved by the rest of the hard-working Juneauites. There is a process and if you don't like it you can lump it.
Democracy can be bittersweet sometimes.
is it the process or the arms being questioned?
I believe there are individuals who are questioning the process of the approval not simply the firearms alone. When it appears a fast-lane type approval was used it tends to make residents question why one business gets approved and others might not.
Thank you Judith
Thank you for your great comments Judith. Now drop the bone the rest of you knuckleheads.
Latitude58...
I'm suggesting there are enough crap laws/regulations/permitting requirements on the books! Please, count for me all the federal, state and city laws, regulations and permitting requirements we live under. Go ahead, tally them up for me and let me know what the number is.
Do your own counting, Wren
Each law stands on its own merits. There's not some sort of quota. If you don't like a law, go see your congressman.
What's your solution to the gun violence problem? (crickets chirping...)
Violence is Violence...we need Individual Accountability.
Why is it that people always feel the need to point out the "gun violence" problem and not the Violence problem. Do you also get on your soap box about the "Alcohol violence" problem or the "bully Violence" problem? Why single out a specific type of instance (which is not the most common type of violence in the US) and remain silent on the rest?
Bean
Uh...because the article is about gun violence?
@Lat
It is about the proposed (and previously approved) indoor firing range and one of its owners...it is also about firearm safety. Not sure what you are reading exept maybe a page from your agenda? Just sayin'.