An appeal to rational thought about firearms and Norway

During this year's session of the Connecticut Legislature, a bill to ban large-capacity ammunition magazines like the one used in the Arizona shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was proposed. The bill failed in committee as a majority of lawmakers agreed with gun-rights activists that the measure was not needed.

Now it has come to light that the Norwegian terrorist was aided by lax American gun laws in killing 68 youths and injuring more than 90 others at a youth camp in Norway.

In his 1,500-page manifesto, Anders Behring Breivik describes how he purchased 10 30-round ammunition magazines from a U.S. supplier through the mail. Norway prohibits magazines for hunting rifles that hold more than three rounds. So Breivik writes:

"10 x 30 round magazines -- .223 cal at 34 USD per mag. Had to buy through a smaller US supplier ... Total cost: 550 USD"

In another entry, he wishes that Norway's gun laws could be as lax as America's:

"I have now sent an application for a Ruger Mini 14 semi-automatic rifle (5.56). It is the most `army like' rifle allowed in Norway, although it is considered a `poor man's' AR-15. I envy our European American brothers as the gun laws in Europe suck in comparison."

What a travesty that America becomes an arms bazaar and a conduit for exporting mayhem.

Now I know that the response of gun rights activists will be that if only every single law-abiding American is locked and loaded at all times, we can limit the damage inflicted by armed crazy people.

It is not to them that I appeal. Rather, I appeal to those whose common sense tells them that the ever-increasing firepower of firearms is out of control; that there is no need for ammunition magazines that hold 30 rounds or more (six states have already banned these); and that constant fear-mongering is the enemy of freedom.

Ron Pinciaro

Fairfield

The writer is executive director of CT Against Gun Violence, based in the Southport section of Fairfield.