The Carver County Conservative PAC recognizes the constitutional principles enshrined by our Founding Fathers.
The core precept of the Second Amendment is under growing scrutiny and interpretation.
The tragic events in Parkland, Fla., do not merit the direction some in government are going. Specifically, state Sen. Scott Jensen, R-Chaska, in his collaboration with others on "universal background checks" is far off course ("I've disappointed some, but feel inspired, too," March 15). The problem isn't with background checks. The problem is a federal data system that is both incomplete and fraught with inaccuracy. Until that is resolved background checks will have limited value.
Additionally, Sen. Jensen has alluded to internet sales as a problem. Unfortunately, he has no working knowledge of how internet sales work. All internet sales must proceed through a local federal firearm license holder, and a background check via ATF Form 4473 must be completed.
Over a 2½-year period, undercover ATF agents posed as buyers with a "cannot purchase" status, and all 72 attempts to purchase were terminated, Not one firearm passed illegally into the hands of an ineligible person, according to the Government Accountability Office.
When running for the Carver County Republican endorsement, Jensen declared strong support for the Second Amendment. He is now flip-flopping to a position of restricting and infringing on the rights of law-abiding citizens.
Buying into the false premise that guns are the problem, instead of a tool used on victims in gun-free zones by people with problems, will continue to place children and citizens at risk.
Jensen either misled the people of Carver County and the Second Amendment organizations from which he asked for and received endorsements, or he is being manipulated or deluded into the hands of the Democrats.
Jensen and his colleagues are wasting time. They should be addressing school safety plans and mental health screening/reporting. Therefore, the Carver County Conservative PAC soundly rejects Jensen's attempt at submitting a bill in search of a problem.
Vicki Ernst, of Chanhassen, is chair, Carver County Conservative PAC.
