Harney County Circuit Judge Robert Raschio included many offensive statements in his ruling blocking Measure 114. Two words in particular showed his opinion is not in line with reality, (“Oregon gun control Measure 114 permanently blocked by Harney County judge; state will appeal,” Nov. 24).
Raschio called the number of firearm deaths “insignificant” in relation to the number of gun owners. We seriously doubt the families and communities affected consider them insignificant. In 2022 alone there were 645 mass shootings, with more than 600 people killed and 2700 injured. The last decade brought us 4,283 mass shootings, with 15 million Americans experiencing a mass shooting in their communities. It is interesting that the judge did not allow gun violence victims to testify, while allowing testimony by Measure 114 opponents.
Raschio says these shootings are “sensationalized” by the media. The reports - especially in our schools, where so many young lives have been taken - are not sensationalism. They are reality.
We are not against gun ownership. Measure 114 establishes common sense measures that will help save lives. It keeps guns out of the wrong hands and aids in preventing mass shootings, suicides and accidental deaths. A background check and safety training are not excessive requirements compared to the number of lives lost.
As field team managers for Measure 114, we know Oregonians across the state worked on and voted for the initiative, feeling there was finally something they could do about growing gun violence. Raschio has taken that away. Hopefully Oregon’s higher courts will review his ruling and find Measure 114 constitutional.
Joe and Janey Paterno, Portland
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