Recently, I turned in my assault rifle to the Metro Dade Police Department for destruction.

Why you ask? The tragedy in Connecticut and President Obama’s call to action prompted me. Although my act might be insignificant, at least there is one less assault rifle on the streets of Miami. It was the right thing to do. My father saved the life of a little girl who was drowning in a lake some 60 years ago. When asked by a reporter why he jumped in when others stood by, he simply answered, “It was the right thing to do.” Did I save a life? I’d like to think so.

What exactly is an assault rifle? It’s a weapon designed for military use and its sole purpose is to kill people. It’s not good for hunting, and it’s not good for self defense, it’s only good for shooting paper targets and killing people. It’s best left in the hands of the people who were trained to use it, the police and military.

How many children in our community, innocent or not, would be alive today if drive-by shootings were done with a bolt action rifle? How much grief would have been avoided?

Turning in my assault rifle was the right thing to do. Someone had to be first, (not waiting for a buyback), and I’m glad it was me. My father would have been proud.

Michael I. Backer, Miami