The senseless gun violence must stop
So once again — may I point it out — an American white male has perpetrated a horrific terrorist act. It’s not someone from Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan or any other Middle East country who President Trump has banned entry to the U.S. When will our government look in the mirror and see what they have allowed to happen here? How many more will die before they do something about gun control? When will they realize that health care must include mental health care? What can we, who are alarmed, saddened and furious that this has happened again, do now?
Bobbie Altman, Oakland
Wrong gun measure
Regarding “Pro-gun bills on move in House” (Oct. 1): Sport shooters need armor-piercing bullets why, exactly? Does Bambi wear a bulletproof vest? And legalizing silencers, regulated since 1934 for good reason, namely because they benefit the bad guys, has Donald Trump Jr.’s backing for hearing safety (ear plugs work just fine) and recoil reduction (it doesn’t) to get “little kids into the game.”
That’s just disturbing. This measure is suspected to be a backdoor method toward increasing lagging gun sales and has the blessing of the National Rifle Association. Police are against the measure. With currently more guns than people in the United States, whose side are you on? Michael Haworth, Vallejo
Outrage over shooting
The Chronicle related how our feckless, useless Congress, at the behest of the National Rifle Association, wants to legalize gun silencers, because all of that noise coming from assault rifles is just so annoying. This morning, I awoke to read about the massacre of more than 50 innocents, with hundreds more wounded, at a concert in Las Vegas. How much more devastation would have been wrought if no one heard the shots, or if authorities could not determine the source of the bullets?
How much longer does this madness, tarted up as freedom, continue? The morally obtuse gun lobby, with no hint of irony, claims that guns don’t kill people; people kill people. Wrong! People with guns kill people, including more than 50 of my brothers and sisters last year in Orlando. Concerned only with gun profits, votes, power and this mythical version of “freedom,” they are aided and abetted by congressional “leaders,” most of whom apparently have the morals and principles of, well, a congressman. I have noticed repeatedly that people without guns rarely shoot anyone. I am outraged! You should be, too! Ben Janken, Oakland
Congress’ approval
While the conflicting statements of the White House and the State Department regarding North Korea appear confusing, they’re most likely best understood as a good cop/bad cop negotiating strategy which, hopefully, will bring positive results. However, that strategy has involved President Trump putting his ego on the line. Since he’s amply demonstrated his willingness to put said ego above the best interests of the nation, Congress should move with haste to protect those interests by explicitly subjecting any military action against North Korea to its prior approval.
Alexis Gerard, Hillsborough
Teach about free speech
As I sit in horror with the unfolding Las Vegas massacre news, I am still compelled to reply to “Offer a solution” (Letters, Oct. 2). Does anyone truly believe that 6-year-olds of color have not already begun their painful lifelong learning about racial inequality in America? Let’s be honest, many have already been called the “n-word” or other slurs on the playground, etc. I am as fair-skinned as they come and from the South. Failing to teach this information thoughtfully and carefully “to protect young minds” is just another reinforcement of racial and class privilege. Secondly, would the writer criticize a medical article on the scourge of cancer or Alzheimer’s because of failing to mention any “clear answers” or “positive results?”
We must press on and engage in discourse to make progress. Thirdly, just because it’s “difficult” to teach about free speech, should that mean we omit it in curricula? My quite literal ancestors fought for this country and signed the Declaration of Independence for this liberty. We dishonor their legacy and our heritage by turning away from this task in fear.
Leslie Gillum, Pleasant Hill
Wake-up call for NRA
Congress is considering passing a law to enable gun owners to put silencers on their rifles. These silencers would make it more difficult for law enforcement and potential victims to tell where the bullets are coming from and where the shooter is located. The tragic Las Vegas murders should be a wake-up call to our National Rifle Association sycophants in Congress that silencers and other gun-enabling legislation is an invitation to future deaths and mass murders.
Nancy Bartell, Berkeley
Kneeling NFL players
It doesn’t look to me like the NFL players are disrespecting the flag. Disrespect would be turning their backs, disparaging veterans or engaging in the very un-American act of proposing spiteful legislation to punish those voters who didn’t vote for you.
To me, those kneeling NFL players look like they are offering prayers for a country they love who has lost its way, and they are willing to risk everything to defend it.
Jacki Rivero, Yarmouth Port, Mass.