New York state would be better served if the state Legislature only convened once every two years or less. This would lessen the frequency we'd be subject to more idiotic laws, fees, regulations or licenses, dreamed up by lawmakers who feel a need to justify, when they are in session, their over-compensated, part-time legislative positions.

Case in point: Democratic Assemblyman Michael Gianaris's recent idiotic idea to save us all from our heritage by requiring a license for antique firearms. Since when were such firearms a huge threat to the public? Probably never. But people like Gianaris must have nightmares about all those precious historical weapons coming alive somehow and creating chaos in society.

The citizens of this state have to start asserting themselves against such nonsense and ill thought out agendas which are undoubtedly based on unwarranted fear. The founding father's legacy plainly points to the proposition that the people are to be served, and the government is to be controlled, not vice versa. We all need to oppose and stand up to nonsense proposed by lawmakers like Gianaris or end up being enslaved. It seems that every state legislative session produces business that further erodes our rights and invades our lives with no thought at all as to what this great country is founded on.

America's foundation rests on freedom, individual rights, and the power of the people being held supreme over the power of bad government. Write your representatives, demand they pay heed to your agenda, hold them accountable when they resist, ignore you, or give you lip service. Doing nothing only forfeits your power to dolts who will no doubt do their best to further erode and outlaw your rights, restrict your freedoms, or just plain bankrupt you in the name of protection or safety.

David Schlegel

Auburn