Thanks to all who pitched in

To the Editor:

On Feb. 16, hundreds of people did something about world hunger. Our annual Martin County Kids Against Hunger food pack set a new record for number of meals packed recording 139,104 meals this year.

We wish to thank the committee of 21 people who planned and orchestrated the pack day; all the businesses that sponsored teams or donated to the cause; and all the churches, other groups and individuals who packed, donated or helped in any way. This is a real area event, involving about 500 people.

For the 11th year, compassionate hearts and willing hands joined together to pack meals for people in Haiti and for those who visit our local food shelves. We feel proud to be a part of communities that support this amazing event that helps feed hungry people. As Mother Teresa said, “Each one of them is Jesus in disguise.”

Karla Ebert, Sue Homan,

and Ron and Karen Sandhurst

Martin County Kids Against Hunger chairpersons

Fairmont

Bills would hurt law-abiding citizens

To the Editor:

If you’re a law-abiding gun owner in Minnesota, you’re likely not going to be pleased with a pair of gun bills being prioritized by House Democrats at the State Capitol.

What they have never understood is that making it more difficult for law-abiding citizens to purchase a gun doesn’t stop one criminal from committing a gun crime. Background checks will only create more headaches for the good people in our state and will do nothing to stop the bad guys.

The first bill deals with background checks. While proponents claim this is about background checks for gun purchases, this bill creates new burdens for what used to be very routine transfers between friends for hunting and shooting trap, and could inadvertently turn people into criminals if they don’t follow the exact processes laid out in this bill. In addition, permits to purchase would be limited to one firearm every 30 days, effectively creating a state-level gun registry.

According to a 2016 U.S. Department of Justice study, less than 1 percent of criminals obtain their guns at gun shows, and the vast majority of criminally acquired guns are obtained from illegal sources.

The second proposal would allow guns to be seized based on claims from a reporting party. This bill effectively treats people as guilty until proven innocent, which goes against the principles of our legal system, violates due process and will not stop those who are intent on doing harm to others.

Our forefathers thought it was a right of people to own and bear arms. Let the law-abiding citizens have their guns, we’re safe. Take them away, we’re in trouble.

State Rep. Bob Gunther,

R-Fairmont