Gun ownership should come with more responsibility
Editor: Mass shootings in America are now commonplace. Our public gathering places are shadowed by apprehension and helpless resignation. School children practice active shooter drills, concertgoers are wise to stay home and church attendance may soon create a higher insurance risk-pool. These horrific acts of deadly violence must motivate each of us to press Congress to enact common sense gun safety laws. At times the obstacles seem insurmountable. What can be done to effect responsible gun ownership?
Switzerland provides a model forward. The Swiss have a high per capita rate of gun ownership; yet the gun homicide rate is far less than the United States. Factors identified include stricter gun laws and restrictions on the kinds of guns that can be owned. After concluding a battery of registrations, trainings, and personal evaluations, a Swiss citizen has earned the right to own a gun. In contrast, Americans easily access guns by right of birth and a highly controversial interpretation of the Second Amendment. (An interesting aside: even dog ownership is regulated by the Swiss. There are a substantial number of forms and trainings requiring completion before Fritz comes home.)
My granddaughter is so small, just now walking. She is the same age as the youngest killed just days ago in a rural Texas church. Will she have a life of hope, peace, and opportunity? One thing is certain: all of our children and grandchildren will live in increasing isolation, fear and uncertainty, if the current gun madness continues, unchecked.
Offer prayers and then take action. Demand elected officials legislate for highly regulated gun sales. Purchase of assault rifles and other weapons of war must end. Leaders, supported by an informed electorate can secure domestic tranquility. Finally, gun ownership should reflect choices made for the greater good of our friends, family and neighbors. BARBARA KRENGEL Lodi
Time to take personal responsibility
Editor: I read the letter to the editor from Mr. Lowe of Nevada City this morning and felt the need to respond.
First of all he refers to “Trump Republicans.” I would point out to him that there are a lot of us Republicans that are not a fan of the president’s but yet still believe in Republican ideals such as freedom for all religions, limited government, controlling taxes, Second Amendment rights, and public support of our military and police.
He also states that there are a “few hundred Republican politicians that are holding the American population hostage to a NRA mandate.” I would remind him that these politicians were elected by their peers to represent the ideals of their constituency. When they no longer represent their constituency properly, they are voted out of office.
Regarding the gun issue. There are many law-abiding citizens who own and even carry guns. We can all be thankful for the law-abiding Good Samaritan across from the Texas church for risking his life to confront and pursue the gunman, saving additional lives. Society needs to start taking responsibility for its own actions instead of blaming everyone else.
The people that are performing these horrific mass killings are criminals that our liberal justice system did not protect us from and in some cases sick people that did not get the help they need. Are we going to ban the rental of trucks because some hateful or troubled individual ran over dozens of people?
Are we going to ban the sale of fertilizers and pressure cookers because they can be used in a bomb? California, Chicago, and Washington D.C. have some of the strictest gun laws in the country, but are some of the hot-spots of gun violence. Obviously the gun laws are not working and/or are not well enforced. There are also a lot of people with mental issues who are homeless or sitting in our jails. Instead, let’s turn down the rhetoric, have criminals take personal responsibility for their own actions, and help the people that need it. TONY MARTIN Lodi