Stephen F. Kislock, III – 4/28/09

This page was last updated on April 30, 2009.

Gun rights come with responsibilities; Stephen F. Kislock, III; Beaver County Times; April 28, 2009.

Most of Mr. Kislock’s 30+ letters over the last four years have been Republican-bashing exercises, though he sometimes goes after Democrats for his pet causes. Mr. Kislock has been a busy writer; this is his fifth letter in a month and the sixth this year. If he isn’t careful, Mr. Kislock will use up his allotment of 12 letters per year long before the end of the year.

Below is a detailed critique of the letter.

“‘The enemies of freedom are not giving up — not by a long shot.’

“So said NRA president John Sigler in his fear-mongering statement at a rally in Harrisburg Tuesday for one of the most irresponsible organizations in the United States.

“In regard to the Bill of Rights, do not these rights have responsibilities? Tons of lead ammunition, a heavy metal, is poisoning our environment.”

[RWC] I wish I could say Mr. Kislock is pulling our legs, but his body of work indicates he’s serious.

FYI, if you took high school chemistry you learned lead is fairly inert in the environment. When exposed to air or water, a thin oxide coating forms on the surface and prevents further oxidation.

“Article I, Section 21 of the state constitution says that the right of citizens to bear arms in defense of themselves and the state shall not be questioned.

“Did the NRA and its fear-mongering give cause to Richard Poplawski to defend himself from what he considered as a threat? Yes or no?”

[RWC] No. I’m not a psychiatrist or psychologist, but it’s my opinion Mr. Poplawski is disturbed. Heck, for all I know reading one of Mr. Kislock’s letters drove Mr. Poplawski.

“A lot has been made of the Second Amendment and the part of the state constitution cited above, as if these were the only parts of these documents.

“Lead has been removed from most products because of the known danger of this heavy metal. The NRA and its affiliates are fighting the government to keep lead in their ammo.”

[RWC] Lead has been removed from products only where there’s a danger of ingestion, as in house paint, kid’s toys, et cetera. Lead is still used in any number of products, including batteries, solder, flashing, plumbing applications, et cetera.

“The Second Amendment and state constitution do not answer my main question.

“Where does it give permission to discharge these arms and cause long-lasting damage to the environment?”

[RWC] Once again, I honestly believe Mr. Kislock is serious.