Dear Editor,
Re “Kingston lawmakers narrowly recommend no change in law prohibiting discharge of firearms in city,” April 20, 2016: It seems those opposing the proposal to establish an indoor shooting range at 90 Prince St., Kingston, N.Y., are primarily concerned with “safety” because of its proximity to the Kingston High School, the YMCA, and nearby residents.
A previous story reported that student members of the rifle team carried firearms to school and to the Midtown Neighborhood Center(the location of their rifle range) totally without incident. There is, therefore, no reason to conclude that individuals carrying firearms to the Safeshoot range would present anymore of a safety risk.
Safeshoot will be constructed such that there will be no danger of a fired bullet escaping from within the established range. It is, therefore, difficult to understand what “safety” issue is being referenced by those against Safeshoot.
More people are killed and injured by automobiles than by firearms. School children frequently cross Broadway, which is filled with cars, but no one is suggesting that, in the interest of “safety,” cars should be prevented from using Broadway.
I believe that the “safety” issue is based upon the individual dislike of firearms and has no credibility in the discussion about the establishment of Safeshoot.
Marlin Klinger
West Hurley, N.Y.
Recent letters by Marlin Klinger
“LETTER: Concealed carry opponents should respect Sheriff VanBlarcum’s expertise,” Dec. 15, 2016
“LETTER: Let teachers, school administrators carry guns,” Oct. 13, 2015
“LETTER: Tom Brady, James Holmes cases were puzzling,” Aug. 17, 2015
“LETTER: SAFE Act, a gun control measure, is illuminating,” April 15, 2014
