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Readers Respond: Wilton Residents Split On Gun Control

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. – As several Connecticut legislators seek to toughen the state's gun laws in the wake of the mass killing in Newtown, residents of Norwalk, Wilton, Darien, Ridgefield and other towns in Fairfield County appear divided on whether strong legislation will effectively thwart gun violence.

Fairfield County residents were largely split on Facebook about proposed tougher gun control laws in Connecticut.

Fairfield County residents were largely split on Facebook about proposed tougher gun control laws in Connecticut.

Photo Credit: Alfred Branch, File

The Daily Voice asked readers on Facebook whether the proposals, which include banning certain weapons and requiring the registration of high-capacity magazines, would make them feel safer. And respondents were split on the measures, with more generally opposing tougher laws.

“I don't feel safer,” wrote Norwalk resident Michael Habif. “I feel raked over the coals by a bloated government in Hartford who just figured out how to spend more money they don't have at the cost of law abiding citizens. This will accomplish nothing. No one is safer.”

Habif was not alone in that sentiment.

“It's absolutely ridiculous,” wrote fellow Norwalk resident Maria Kyle. “How is that gonna keep me safe when they'll still have connections to get guns and here we are left defending our homes with what? 10 bullets? What if I'm nervous and I miss? What if there are 5 guys ... just sayin’. Don't take away my rights!”

Ridgefield resident Robert Lavelle said the proposed laws do not seem to fully address the important issue.

"Stepping up mental health screening is the single biggest item that would make a difference, but people are amazingly still resistant to this concept," he wrote.

Darien resident Molly Quinn Myers believes tougher laws will help.

“Yes, yes yes,” Myers wrote. “Wish the Federal Government would follow CT's lead and pass tougher gun legislation.”

Geoffrey Danger Hoffman, also of Darien, disagreed, taking the position that several other people on Facebook argued. That tougher gun laws might hurt law-abiding citizens.

“Actually makes things worse,” Hoffman wrote. “Obstacles and bans for law-abiding citizens while nothing that hampers the criminals.”

Norwalk resident Lisa Bright said tougher laws are a start. “When a 7 year old child is shot 11 times AT SCHOOL we need to do something! I'd rather pay more in taxes knowing that the government is trying to work on ways to make our all of us a bit safer ... in our schools, movie theaters, etc. I'm not saying this is the solution, and I'm sure everything will need to be tweaked, but it's better than doing nothing.”

“Anything is better than nothing,” wrote Wilton resident Maureen Judge in agreement. “We have to start somewhere.”

Frank E. Davidson, also of Wilton, loudly disagreed. “No it does not! Now it will be harder for the law abiding citizens to protect themselves! Meanwhile criminals will be obtaining guns the same way! ILLEGALLY!”

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