Editor:

This is in response to "Inconsistency hits constitutional right" (letter, Aug. 31). First, Mr. Wood needs to learn that simply being charged with any crime removes none of one's constitutional rights. Aggravated assault is a felony, and yes, felons lose their Second Amendment rights.

In addition, the bill that went before the Supreme Court was for one-time offenders. Not for those who have offended two, or, say, five times. Mr. Wood asked that someone please explain to him the "logic behind this law." I'd be glad to.

When a protection order is issued against a person, that person is usually ordered to not be in possession of firearms for the duration of the protection order. It is only when that person proves no self-control by violating that protection order and is convicted of that protection order violation that any rights are then removed for life.

It is fitting that a person with this lack of self-control lose his right to be in possession of firearms.

Concerning his scenario of "Bob" and "Jim," they are two grown men and equals. "Jim" however is a bully, and bullies always pick on someone smaller and weaker than themselves, in this case his wife. Surely, Jim's wife has been abused verbally, mentally and emotionally before the physical violence started.

I'd also be willing to bet that there isn't a single citizen in the state of Wyoming who lost his Second Amendment rights for threatening or shoving his wife. Unfortunately, Mr. Wood is correct in his statement that a criminal can never be stopped from committing a gun crime if he really wants to.

That a piece of paper called a "Protection Order" (or FVPA order) cannot really stop an abuser from committing more violence against his victim. I am a staunch advocate of Second Amendment rights. But when a person commits certain crimes, they should no longer be protected under that right.

The incidence of domestic abuse in this state and especially in Casper is abominable. We should continue to educate our men against domestic abuse. Real change won't happen until we stand up and demand that our police, prosecutors and judges take this issue seriously, make arrests and hand down the kind of penalties these abusers truly deserve.

The time has come for our officials to start considering the victims' rights. Please go to www.donttouch.us to get more information or to become involved in this very worthwhile movement.

SARA GALARZA, Casper