To the Editor:

I am writing this letter in support for the re-election of Addie Russell for New York State Assemblywoman.

The issue that is being used against her is the SAFE Act. I have been a hunter since I was twelve years old. I support the right to bear arms, and believe that everyone has the right to protect their home. Those who want to repeal the SAFE Act, in my opinion, are way off base.

I believe that the proper approach would be to amend certain parts of the act. I strongly disagree that every time something is done concerning guns it is a plot to disarm American, to take away guns.

The SAFE Act did not take guns away from anybody. It was an attempt to make it safer for the public, not to hurt gun owners. The criticism of the passage of the SAFE Act to me in unwarranted. Good or bad, it was a reaction to the slaughter of 20 little angels.

Thank God somebody reacted to that horrendous act. Most states, and our Congress, did nothing. The fear of losing guns every time some action is taken concerning guns is unrealistic. It takes two third of the United States Senate and two thirds of the state states to amend the United States Constitution, and the Supreme Court has already ruled in favor of the Second Amendment rights. I am a former member of the NRA, but dropped my membership because I believe that the organization is too radical. I know that I have many friends that are sincere in their belief that any action taken concerning guns is a first step in losing their gun rights.

When I asked to join the NRA I was told that “They are after our guns.” I will never support taking anyone’s rights to bear arms, because I strongly support our hunting rights, and I strongly believe that hunters will save our right to keep our guns. With all of the issues involved in New York State, such as raising the minimum wage, equal pay for equal work, fair financial support for our schools, better economic climate, and support for I-98, these should all override the unsupported fear of losing your guns.

I urge the re-election of Addie Russell.

Ernie LaBaff

President Emeritus of Aluminum, Brick & Glass Workers