Firearms bill

As a concerned Black firearm owner operating a business in Boston, I find myself compelled to address the recent passage of bill H4885, a piece of legislation that, while it may have been designed with good intentions, completely overlooks the intricacies and necessities of urban communities, particularly those of color. This act serves as a stark reminder of the disconnect between our elected officials and the unique challenges faced by cities like ours.

The essence of my concern lies in the oversimplification and generalized assumptions upon which this bill was founded. It seems that those who have the power to shape our lives are making pivotal decisions from a distance, without stepping foot into the diverse neighborhoods they aim to regulate. The narrative of urban realities cannot and should not be scripted from the quiet of an office but requires engagement and understanding of the streets and stories that make up our communities.

Moreover, H4885 introduces stringent regulations and requirements that, frankly, threaten the survival of local businesses like mine. The wide-reaching implications of this bill do not just tighten control but could potentially dismantle an ecosystem of urban firearm ownership that has been responsible and safe, owing to stringent self-regulation and education.

Speaking of education, an area of particular frustration is the bill’s glaring overlook towards the potential for positive gun education programs, especially for our youth. Initiatives such as hunting programs and firearm safety courses can serve as invaluable tools for mentorship, responsibility, and conservation education. Yet, by neglecting this aspect, the legislators not only miss out on a chance to foster respect and understanding around firearms but also alienate a significant portion of the community for whom hunting and shooting sports are a cultural linchpin.

As we stand at this crossroads, I implore our elected officials to take a step back and reconsider the broader impacts of H4885. Legislation in the vacuum of experience only serves to widen the gap between policymakers and the people they serve. It’s time for our voices to be heard, for the nuances of our lives to be acknowledged, and for a more inclusive dialogue to shape our common future.

Nolan Howard

President of NAAGA Massachusetts; 617 Defense LLC

Boston

Presidents Day

When I was growing up in Dorchester in the early 60’s there was no Presidents Day. We all knew that Abraham Lincoln was born on Feb. 12 and George Washington was born on Feb. 22. There was also a “February vacation” for a week. It became Presidents Day in 1971.

Lincoln and Washington were great presidents. However, shouldn’t we know about other presidents who have presided over the history of our country? Who was Franklin Pierce? Who was Grover Cleveland ?

I proudly went to Grover Cleveland Junior High School from 1962 to 1965 in Dorchester. My teachers said that Cleveland will be the only candidate who won, lost, then won the presidency. That it would never happen again. I always wondered why they said that.

Jack Zaccardi

East Boston