A gun’s purpose
Re “Straight talk on guns,” Opinion, Oct. 6
The whole country is wondering why Stephen Paddock committed mass murder in Las Vegas. Is it really that difficult to understand?
We live in a consumerist society in which we are constantly urged to buy products. These products are meant to be used — chairs are sat on, shoes are worn, and caches of semi-automatic weapons are used in mass shootings. What is the mystery here?
The real question is not why did Paddock commit mass murder, but when might others who have bought these weapons also kill?
Our violent culture has also produced Donald Trump, who is reported to have asked privately during the campaign why the United States does not use the nuclear weapons it has. Products are supposed to be used, so we are in deep trouble. Charles Derry Palm Springs