Trump is blowing more smoke in the US gun debate

Sir, – I have just listened to Donald J Trump address the National Rifle Association (NRA). It was depressing.

His answer is arm the teachers.

Some states in the USA already have, as the NRA suggested, cast a “ring of steel” around schools where armed guards protect and ward off gun-toting individuals.

Armed guards with body armour search school bags, or the kids must use clear plastic backpacks to negate the requirement to rummage through the contents.

I also listened yesterday to the lead from Democrats Abroad, who destroyed the frequent quote that as it is enshrined in the Second Amendment of the US Constitution, it is irrevocable.

She explained that when it was written, the rights to bear arms as part of a militia, to defend themselves against an autocratic US government, the gun was a musket, with an average reloading time of 15 seconds, while skilled militia could do it in five to eight seconds.

Modern semi-automatic rifles can fire 80 to 120 rounds per minute, which relates to 0.5 seconds reload time, until the magazine is empty, and a new one can be installed in one to three seconds, with another 30 rounds.

So, is the amendment still valid and appropriate for 2022?

Is it correct that AK47 or M16 assault rifles can be driven around in pick-up trucks, or in the trunks of their cars, by any individual?

Shouldn’t the public be registered to be part of a militia in order to be permitted to bear arms as the Second Amendment states?

Trump blows smoke from his gun into the debate again. Alistair Ballantyne. Birkhill, Angus.