Common sense and firearms

If you can’t convince them, confuse them. It’s a shrewd, if cynical axiom that could pay off for opponents of gun-sale background checks.

This fall voters will weigh in on two competing initiatives, I-594, which requires background checks on firearm sales and transfers, including online sales and gun shows; and, I-591 which prohibits background checks “unless a national standard is required.” (The latter qualifer a reminder of big-footing feds.)

An April 15 Elway poll illustrates the confusion, with 72 percent of respondents likely to vote for background checks, 55 percent likely to vote for the initiative with the “unless a national standard” language, and 40 percent inclined to vote for both (!) To quote “Alice in Wonderland,” “Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”

Presupposing that impossible happens and both measures pass, the Legislature will need to disentangle the mess (more counter-logic, but possible) or the state Supreme Court will decide. Dave Ammons, communications director for the Secretary of State and a longtime Associated Press scribe and analyst, figures the court is the more likely resolver (the justices may need to read their Lewis Carroll.)

Washingtonians will get gobsmacked by ads from both sides. Will the onslaught disabuse voters of misconceptions? Ideally, yes, distortion and hyperbole notwithstanding. Most Washingtonians support background checks, so the smart money is on I-594 passing. I-591, polling in the mid-50s, is less of a sure thing, with numbers consistent with Eyman-like initiatives that historically crash and burn.

And then there’s the money. Unlike previous campaigns, pro-background forces will have dinero and expert political help. Washington is a bellwether. Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg is pouring $50 million into a grassroots gun-control push, a political counterweight to the National Rifle Association. A lot of that likely will flow this way, helping level the ad wars.

It’s an unfortunate fight because background checks are clearly in the public interest, especially to limit those living with mental illness from purchasing a firearm. And felons should have obstacles to prevent them from easily copping a gun online or at a gun show.

Western politicians recoil at all of this. Recall what happened to former House Speaker Tom Foley when he was targeted by the NRA and defeated in 1994. But times have changed, particularly when it comes to something as fundamental as making it hard for a wife beater to buy a .357. Here’s wagering that in 2014 a voter tyranny of common sense blunts the NRA.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

Everett mayor Cassie Franklin delivers her State of the City address on Friday, March 28 in Everett, Washington. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Editorial: The state of Everett amid the state of play

In her state of the city speech, Mayor Cassie Franklin makes the case for optimism amid dark clouds.

Comment: An ‘impossible trinity’ of goals for Trump’s tariffs

Trump wants revenue, manufacturing and foreign policy wins; he can’t get all three, if any.

Arrest of Mahmoud Khalil: Protect freedom of speech for all

It’s been weeks since Mahmoud Khalil was abducted from his home in… Continue reading

Trump’s, Musk’s cuts to education are most damaging

In my long life of service to my community, I have never… Continue reading

Property owners abuse Perrinville Creek watershed

This case history of property owners ignoring the law for instant self-gratification… Continue reading

Douthat: Trump’s Signalgate denials not impressing non-MAGA

Even 60 percent of Republicans polled said the scandal was a serious one.

Genna Martin / The Herald
Piles of wires, motherboards and other electronic parts fill boxes at E-Waste Recycling Center, Thursday. 
Photo taken 1204014
Editorial: Right to repair win for consumers, shops, climate

Legislation now in the Senate would make it easier and cheaper to fix smartphones and other devices.

The WA Cares law is designed to give individuals access to a lifetime benefit amount that, should they need it, they can use on a wide range of long-term services and supports. (Washington State Department of Social and Health Services)
Editorial: Changes to WA Cares will honor voters’ confidence

State lawmakers are considering changes to improve the benefit’s access and long-term stability.

A press operator grabs a Herald newspaper to check over as the papers roll off the press in March 2022 in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald file photo)
Editorial: Keep journalism vital with state grant program

Legislation proposes a modest tax for some tech companies to help pay salaries of local journalists.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Monday, March 31

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Comment: Hegseth isn’t unholding standards he vowed he would

Veterans are among the most critical of the Defense secretary for his lapse of security and protocol.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.