Michael Merrifield’s recent guest editorial in The Gazette was incredibly disappointing to read. While I applaud his recognition that Michael Bloomberg’s “No Roads” comment about Colorado Springs was “tasteless”, Merrifield’s lack of understanding of the underlying issue and his willingness to buy into Bloomberg’s vision for gun control in Colorado are what truly disappoints.

Merrifield said: “Republicans seem so busy being offended by Bloomberg they cannot address the real issue at hand.” Well Mr. Merrifield, I am a Republican and I am offended by Bloomberg. But my issue goes far beyond his “No Roads” comments. It’s the idea that this East Coast politician, who has no understanding of Colorado values or our western way of life (as evidenced by his “tasteless” comments), would push his gun control agenda here in our state.

It offends me even further knowing that Denver politicians ignored the pleas of Colorado citizens to push Bloomberg’s agenda.

In his article Merrifield does the very same thing. He ignores the pleas of the very same constituents who recalled John Morse and doubles down on his willingness to promote Bloomberg’s nationwide agenda in Colorado.

Merrifield says Bloomberg’s gun control laws are nothing more than “common-sense steps to increase gun safety.” This statement illustrates his complete lack of understanding of the real issue at hand. Gun safety has little to do with keeping the public safe. Gun safety is what I teach my son when we go shooting at the range.

Keeping the public safe should be the goal.

Effective public safety policy requires a true common sense approach directed to reforms that look beyond just one instrument that is sometimes used in the perpetration of crime. For example, over 130 people lost their lives on Colorado roads last year as a result of alcohol related traffic offenses. Yet when I proposed legislation creating a felony charge for someone who has had multiple DUI offenses, those same Denver politicians supporting Merrifield killed the bill.

In addition, Merrifield says background checks enhance safety. Common sense tells us otherwise. So does the data.

Countries with significantly more oppressive gun control laws still have violent crime rates on par with those who don’t. England has banned most firearms, yet its violent crime rate is higher than in the U.S. It is a reality that if a person wants to commit a violent crime they will. They will do it regardless of legal access to a gun. As a former prosecutor I have seen far too many violent crimes. Sometimes they are committed with a gun, many other times it is some other instrument of violence. Rarely are crimes committed by people who lawfully obtain firearms.

There is also no evidence that limiting magazines to an arbitrary 15 cartridge limit does anything to enhance safety either.

He also missed the mark when he took a cheap shot at Sen. Bernie Herpin for some in artful comments made during a committee hearing. He should know better. After all, it was Merrifield himself who uttered the now infamous “special place in hell” comment for those who advocate for school choice.

At the end of the day it comes down to an understanding that citizens know better how to live their lives than East Coast politicians and special interest groups do. It should be common sense for Merrifield and the Denver politicians who back him to know the same.

–

Mark Waller is the Representative, for Colorado House District 15.