Law enforcement should follow the law

As a citizen of Washington state and the USA, I strongly believe in our nation’s democracy. Fundamental to our democracy is the Rule of Law and public support of law enforcement.

So I am mystified with the Seattle Times reporting on Feb. 10, 2019, that 13 Washington sheriffs are attempting to replace the state Supreme Court, which decides a law’s constitutionality, by refusing to enforce a new gun control law.

I believe law enforcement is to enforce laws, not be a substitute for the Supreme Court. What seems so mind boggling to me about these sheriffs’ denials to implement the law is: more guns in the hands of irresponsible gun owners would impose more risk on the public and on law officers — witness the Feb. 15, 2019, gun violence event at Pratt Co. in Aurora, Ill., with six people dead and five law enforcement officers and one employee wounded — not to mention the 30,000 or so lives lost to gun violence in the USA annually.

I-1639 does not impact law enforcement, which has essentially unlimited access to guns. I-1639 was crafted to cause more responsible private gun ownership, which enhances law enforcement safety and public safety.

To me, I-1639 is a win-win for both law enforcement personnel and the public.

Richard Hahn

Sequim