Page 8 Editorial... "If one person dies in the next 20 years because of this vote, you should be accountable because you killed him. You're going to put somebody's little baby in a coffin." Pennsylvania Rep. Joseph Preston Jr., a Pittsburgh Democrat said this to his colleagues prior to Tuesday's historic vote that reversed a compromise that was approved in December. The December compromise banned 15 assault weapons and required a five-day waiting period for all gun purchases. The House also passed legislation that prohibits municipalities from regulating firearms. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have laws that prohibit assault weapons. These laws soon will be stricken. What does this mean? It means that Pennsylvania gun buyers now only have to wait 48 hours to buy a handgun, and there is no waiting period for rifles or long guns. Worse yet, there is no state law requiring background checks. With violent crime on the rise (recent reports say that violent deaths will soon be the leading killer of young adults) how could this happen? Some representatives are pointing at special interest groups like the NRA. Rep. David K. Levandesky (D. Allegheny) said that the votes were a sellout to these groups in return for their support in upcoming elections. He said, "It is a triumph of private interest over the public interest. I'm ashamed to be a member of this chamber." He damn well should be. We should be ashamed that these people are representing us. One representative, Robert E. Belfanti Jr.(D. Northumberland), tried to justify his vote by saying this action will not raise the current levels of violent crime. He added, "More murders are committed in this state with butcher knives and scissors." What? Scissors? I have never heard of anyone being scissored to death! What can we do? We need to make our voices known. Locally three representatives voted against gun bans and controls. These representatives are Karl Boyes, R-3rd District, Tom Scrimenti, D-4th District and Jim Merry, R -sth District. They need to hear how outrageous their actions were. Let them know. Write them a letter, create petitions, peacefully protest. If we don't, then Rep. Vincent Hughes' (D. Philadelphia) words may ring true for you, "It is only a matter of time before a group of individuals, family members, folks you may know, will be gunned down by one of the weapons." Think about it! Published weekly by the students The Pennsylvania State University at Erii), The Behrend Coil • - Co-Editors Matthew D. Chum Alicia Hartman %dam Manager Darlene Stremic Advfaar Cathy Master The ediaxial opinion is desemained by the editorial staff, with the editors holding final respossilrilkf. Opinions expressed in The Collegian are not taxessarily those of The Collegian or The Pennsylvania State Oakes*. Collegian Sae: Dia Bain Laura Borawski, Yvette &way. Jerry Bruno, Maria Canada. boon De Mate. Ism Dugan. Kimberly Shawn Gallagher. Bill Graham, Gerald James. Bridgetse kirk Glee Jestr.adt, Tom Keefe, Portia Kelly, Greg Kristen. Paul Lorin, r Mallon, Paul Marini, Sarah Melchiorre. Scott Moore. Joe Mottillo, Colette Reship, John Rosamund% Jeremy Sloan. Iris Sphder, Toubakaris, Paul D. Young. News Editor Hal D. Coffey Fahwtdmmt Editor Danette Pamot Sports Editors Maw* , D Cisme Keith E. McFall Photo Oardinator Holly Dewy Jen Calvin Amt hob Coordinator Aral Buick* Pliotagraphers: Brian Doman, Dim Hanis, La Nat Hill, Tyrone Jafferson, Stephanie Payne, Roam= Scott, Pad= SEW Ran Vat Dam. EDITORIAL CARTOONS Copy &Mors Alicia Hatma► Joanne Riccardi Advertising Manager Dikes Swank Thekt Gee kopeck bons Rictosii kis Spinier Amid klleraiedoe: The Collegian geldiebeli weekly by the mhos of 1 PenneAvaniii Stets University at Brie, The htiennii Colley; Phst hoot, The Sheer Reed Union Ileildies. Swim Reed, Ede. PA 16563. $l4. $96441$ at $1441954019 fax. USN 10114255. Thursday, February 3, 1 ‘MAbitske. 1 00 R lActiv2iMpieg's fovcl V\AS A No-coVelo6e- fog-RecoßD - WittTeik-sTomiS - colt 4 OM 6- WiTH - EAF,ToRuAKeS-AtiPIoK WASSAtte 11KAWAIS Letter Polley: The Coilesia encourapo kilns on news ammo editorial content and Womb affairs. Letters should b typewritten. deable-apeeed 1111 signed by no more than two pow Leuen dedide wads. TUlPTl*ATellould Inds& 10 menestv mending and =Or et otter. 11sion doiddynside d address end pbain inudoer of ti miter for endieetionol On km Collegian nom do didu edit Wen dirboolii sod* r , inum J% . - 4 .- .:,*--T-;1,,, Mae Manager Lori Anna Drw
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers