Watch list is questionable way to deny gun rights

This editorial appeared in the New Bern Sun Journal Dec. 8, 2015.

In 2010, the Government Accountability Office concluded that “membership in a terrorist organization does not prohibit a person from possessing firearms or explosives under current federal law.”

Indeed, according to the GAO, between 2004 and 2014 suspected terrorists attempted to purchase guns from American dealers at least 2,233 times. They succeeded 91 percent of the time.

Sounds scary, particularly in light of the recent terrorist attacks in Paris that were carried out largely with small arms. That would appear to be a glarin...