In which Lancaster Newspapers responds....

In regards to a letter to the editor I sent chastising Gov. Wolf for proposing new limitations on gun ownership while ignoring the enforcement of current gun laws.... LNP has responded.

Paula Wolf, an editorial writer, sent this:  "Arthur, Pa. is actually quite active in seeking convictions. See further down in this USA Today story."

First, I must say I am deeply surprised, and just as deeply appreciative, that LNP responded at all.  It's honestly the last thing I expected.  Providing a linked source was downright neighborly as well.  Nicely done, Paula and LNP!

My response:  

Paula,

Thank you for the interesting data, and source.  It's much appreciated.  I gather what the article is saying is that PA is doing the best of a particularly bad showing  on the part of various law enforcement agencies.

Given their 1% number of failed background checks, and the PSP reported number of almost 800,000 firearms sold in PA in 2017.   Only 1900 referrals for prosecution out of 8000 criminal instances, and only 470 convictions, given each fail means a signed confession?

I would surmise that PA, even if it's one of the best at dealing with the issue, is still horrifically bad at using existing laws to keep firearms away from criminals.

Or.... the background check mechanism is deeply flawed, and these are not truly criminal instances.

Or.... and I would guess this the most likely.... the state simply does not have the resources to enforce the current laws regarding firearms.

In all these cases, would any of the proposed new laws make the slightest change at all?

Regards, and thanks again,

Art Welling

In reading through the full report instead of the summary, I see the actual decline number was over 15,000, with about 10% being reversed on challenge as faulty returns.   Aprox. 2500 were referred for prosecution, of which most cases were either declined by prosecutors or not successfully prosecuted. 

These are not good numbers, from my viewpoint, and point to deeply flawed background check system.

On the other hand, in terms of things handled by government agencies, it's probably a stellar performance.