I have noticed an increased reporting of crimes committed by individuals using a weapon over the past five years. I ride motorcycles and noticed that the BND always seems to comment whenever a motorcycle rider is killed in an accident about whether he was wearing a helmet.

For those who do not know, helmets are not mandatory in Illinois. Having a valid FOID (Firearm Owner ID card) is.

I suggest that when a suspect is arrested for a gun crime that the BND state whether the individuals used an assault weapon and also did they possess a FOID card.

My reason for this is simple: I am a firm advocate of the Second Amendment and find it displeasing that the mass media always jump on the assault weapon as the devil when something like the recent school shooting occurs.

Assault weapons are like airplane crashes: They generate lots of press and political activity. But the day in and day out crimes that are committed are far more likely to be perpetrated by someone who is not legally supposed to be in possession of that weapon.

We have plenty of gun laws already on the books. We don't need more laws, we need to make sure that the criminals committing crimes involving guns are thrown in prison for good.

A recent study on the recidivism rate in the United States found that seven out of 10 released prisoners will be rearrested within three years. This is the problem, not honest, law-abiding gun owners.

Jeff Hamma

Freeburg