Report says classified ads, guns make dangerous combination

[Drizzt]

Report says classified ads, guns make dangerous combination


By: Jason Kristufek, Staff writer April 02, 2002


A report released Monday by Iowans for the Prevention of Gun Violence says the sale of firearms through classified advertisements in newspapers poses a potential threat since buyers aren't subjected to a criminal background check.

The survey of Iowa newspapers was part of a national campaign to close what is being called "the newspaper loophole." The survey says 20 of 23 Iowa newspapers with a daily circulation of more than 5,000 accept classified ads for guns from unlicensed sellers.

"Generally, The Tribune accepts advertising of legal products or services, as long as it isn't deceptive, libelous or in poor taste," Tribune Publisher Tom Hawley said. "Guns can be legally sold between private parties; therefore, we do accept advertising for long guns."

The survey shows six of the Iowa newspapers that accept classified ads for guns take ads for rifles and shotguns only, and the other 14 newspapers take ads for all guns - rifles, shotguns and handguns.

The Clinton Herald and The Daily Iowan in Iowa City are the only newspapers in Iowa that do not take classified ads for any type of gun. The Quad City Times accepts classified ads from licensed gun dealers only.

"As a newspaper, we exist because of the First Amendment to the Constitution," Hawley said. "We passionately protect the right of freedom of the press. We should be very cautious of trifling with the Second Amendment, as well."

The Tribune's policy is to accept ads for rifles and shotguns, but it does not allow someone to advertise the sale of a handgun. The policy has been in place since October 1999.

Iowans for the Prevention of Gun Violence, a grassroots organization, recently sent a letter to Iowa newspapers urging them to voluntarily stop taking ads for guns from unlicensed sellers.

The organization feels legislative bodies are not doing enough to regulate the sale of firearms in classified ads.

"This country needs to do more to prevent prohibited purchasers from gaining access to guns," said John Johnson, the executive director of Iowans for the Prevention of Gun Violence. "Because of inaction by Congress and the Iowa General Assembly, we need to look at non-legislative initiatives. Closing the newspaper loophole is one such initiative."

The report further states the newspaper loophole allows felons, minors and terrorists to buy firearms with no criminal background check and no questions asked.

The report provides one example of a person buying a handgun through a classified ad in Illinois and going on a two-state shooting spree.

No other examples were given.

"If we do take a second look at this policy, we might find ourselves trying to justify not accepting handgun ads, instead of the course IPGV is suggesting," Hawley said. "I don't think it is our position to be the arbitrator of this so-called 'loophole.' That should be settled by legislation."

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?n...dept_id=238101

Let's see.... how many loopholes are we up to now?