Frankly, my brain is confused, befuddled, and perplexed that a public school, fire station, or a congressional candidate would raffle off any gun, let alone an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle. The Boomtown Bash fund-raiser in Nitro, West Virginia, includes an AR-15 as a prize. The other weapons in the raffle are reported to be hunting guns. Gun raffles, what?!

There are more humane ways to make money. Why not raffle an iPad, flat screen television, or a Chevy truck? It’s reported that parents are allowing 7-9-year-old kids to sell gun tickets for one fund-raising event. What?! Go back to selling popcorn, candles, or candy bars. My bewildered brain asks why community residents would participate. I am baffled over any type of gun raffle anywhere, anytime, for any reason. I guess you get my point.

Do hunters use the AR-15 semi-automatic rifle to hunt? They would have instant deerburgers in the middle of the woods — without buns or condiments. AR stands for Armalite Rifle, but it is considered an assault rifle.

However, according to an article at www.ar15hunter.com, “In interviews with Time, leaders of 15 state shooting groups said semi-automatic rifles are popular with hunters in their states… The semi-automatic feature, which allows these guns to shoot up to 45 rounds a minute, is not always necessary, but useful in some situations, hunters say.”

In what situation would a hunter need to fire 45 rounds per minute and at what animal? That’s my question.

On its webpage, the National Rifle Association of America lists 10 reasons to own an AR-15 and calls those who disagree “ignorant”. The author writes, “Women are currently the fastest-growing demographic in the shooting sports, and the AR-15 is, doubtless, one of the reasons why. Women love the ‘cool factor’ of the AR just as much as men do. And those with zero shooting experience — who might harbour some fear of rifle shooting because of a rifle’s perceived ‘kick’ — quickly learn that the soft-recoiling AR-15 is not only a pleasure to shoot, but fun to customise just the way they want it.”

As a woman, I’ll pass on owning an AR-15 and forego the pleasure.

However, I support the right to bear arms as stated in the Second Amendment of the US Constitution. The amendment reads: “A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.” However, not until 2008, did the US Supreme Court back an individual’s right to keep a weapon at home for self-defence.

However, gun raffles signal a lack of respect for the power of what a weapon can do — kill people. And putting profits over people is just wrong. Raffle bicycles, laptops, or cellphones — things kids can use. Raffle vacations, cash prizes, or tickets to the World Series, but not guns. Raffle spa treatments, sports memorabilia, or a year of free pizza, but not guns.

If Americans fail to use common sense and continue to raffle AR-15 guns or any type of guns, then controversy will continue. The other option is for Americans to refuse to buy gun raffle tickets.

On February 14, 2018, at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, 17 people were killed by a former student with an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle. That’s why there should be no rifle raffles.

“There is a recognition that Second Amendment rights, like First Amendment and other rights, come with responsibilities and limitations. There is no reason both sides of the gun debate can’t support policies that both protect the right to legally own guns for sport and safety, and reduce the likelihood of mass fatalities,” writes Randi Weingarten.

I agree.

Melissa Martin, PhD, is an author, columnist, educator, and therapist who resides in Ohio, USA. Send comments to the Observer or melissamartincounselor@live.com or www.melissamartinchildrensauthor.com.