A Bowling Green resident who has been an instructor for concealed carry permits says President’s Obama’s executive actions on guns announced Jan. 5 are unnecessary.
Mark Dunnegan says stricter background checks on gun sales aren’t needed, especially in Kentucky.
“I feel very confident that Kentucky has a very good system of background checks," says Dunnegan. "The NCIC check is a sufficient method, in my opinion, of making sure that those who shouldn’t have guns, don’t have guns.”
He believes increased background checks will hurt law-abiding gun owners.
"I do believe the push to regulate guns is not the solution," he says. "I know the general public and the citizens here in the U.S. are upset and concerned. However, stricter regulations on law-abiding citizens wouldn't be the answer. It would only make it more difficult for law-abiding citizens to protect their homes, protect their land, and protect their families."
Dunnegan and his wife both previously taught classes for those who want to get concealed carry permits.
Meanwhile, a Bowling Green woman whose son survived a gunshot wound is praising President Obama’s speech on guns.
Haley Rinehart told WKU Public Radio she became emotional while listening to the president outline executive actions intended to lessen gun violence.
Rinehart’s then-four year old son was shot in the head when he moved a handgun that had been left out in a home he was visiting.
Rinehart says Mr. Obama’s orders are justified after what she calls a lack of action by Congress.
“We’ve given the House and Congress opportunity after opportunity to do something, and nothing’s been done. President Obama finally took a stand and he said something’s got to be done, and if you’re not going to do it, then we’re going to have to go the only other way we can.”
Rinehart says her views don’t mean she is against those who want guns for legitimate reasons.
“People should have that right to protect their self and their family. But at the same time, I do believe people should have to be more responsible. And because so many people can get guns illegally, there should be things that we put into effect to make it harder for those who don’t need guns to get them.”
