Political shots

Moving forward

Regarding “Gunman turns ballfield into a battlefield” (Page A1, Thursday), there is nothing that can be said regarding the shooting at a baseball practice of Republican congressional members, and their staff that will make that incident less critical and there can be no feelings except those of sadness and remorse.

But that doesn’t mean that we, as a nation, cannot take steps to prevent the probability of future shootings.

First of all, it should be obvious that we cannot ignore the facts about guns in this country. Guns are a major part of the problem, and tighter gun control by going back to the original meaning of the Second Amendment will be a substantial first step.

Of equal importance is the necessity to stop the personal attacks on broad parts of the American population by everescalating name-calling and demeaning actions. We cannot allow senseless shootings to replace baseball as the national pastime.

Even today, in the fearful aftermath of the shootings of Wednesday, the Republican Congress continues to craft important legislation regarding health care and tax reform (and who knows what else) in secret chambers.

I urge Texas Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz to lead the way against this secret form of legislation by demanding open committee hearings, and give all Americans the opportunity to understand and comment on what is proposed before it comes up for a quick vote.

Likewise I urge our senators and our representatives to lead the way for true gun control with legislation that preserves our “right to bear arms” within the framework of the intention of the framers and within the clear and complete language of the Second Amendment. At the same time, give all law-abiding and mentally healthy Americans the opportunity to hunt and enjoy shooting as a sport that does not include the arming of America as a killing machine.

The number of Americans who are killed each year by gun violence is staggering and preventable. The issue is one of political will and common sense. We rally against “Islamic terrorism” but ignore the enemy within.