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America is not Australia. Both Joseph Henry Wythe and James Ramsey had letters published on Nov. 26 suggesting Australian gun laws as a model for America.

What they fail to tell you is that in Australia you now have to provide a reason to own or purchase a gun, which has to be approved by the government, and self-defense is not an acceptable reason. I’ll repeat. Self-defense is not considered a legitimate reason for owning a gun in Australia, which equates to a veritable ban on gun ownership. This is what the left wants for America.

As an interesting aside, Mr. Wythe mentioned that Australia’s homicide rate has dropped by 47 percent in the approximately 20 years since they passed their draconian gun laws. This number is correct. What Mr. Wythe doesn’t tell you is that America’s gun homicide rate fell by 49 percent during roughly that same time period. And this was during a time that saw gun ownership and concealed carry laws skyrocket in America.

So, Mr. Wythe and Mr. Ramsey, if you want to try Australia’s gun laws, feel free to move to Sydney. I’ll keep my liberty.

SAMUEL HOGUE

Sandpoint