Gun owners can part ways with NRA
The National Rifle Association is a mendacious organization largely funded by the gun/ammunition manufacturers, but its large membership is composed of members who are ordinary citizens mostly interested in hunting and sport shooting, not automatic weapons.
I suggest that this large number of users break away from the NRA and form an independent organization (Call it the American Rifle Association) that maintains a Second Amendment position for hunting and sports shooting, but stands firmly against automatic and semiautomatic weapons of all types in the hands of citizens.
Such an organization would have less dollar clout than the NRA but could have enormous voter clout by virtue of its large membership. And the NRA could no longer hide behind it’s large “popular” membership support to favor guns in schools and gun solutions to every problem. It would allow gun enthusiasts to support ownership without the stench of murder that attaches to the NRA.
Don Barnby, Menlo Park
Change the law instead
Regarding “Response to gun violence — follow the law” (Opinion, Feb. 24): Columnist Andrew Malcolm bemoans the fact that the police, the foster parents, as well as various state and federal agencies ignored “red flag warnings” about Florida school shooter Nikolas Cruz. Like others who refuse to advocate for more gun control laws, Malcolm seeks to place the burden of this tragedy on those who failed to adequately address the gunman’s mental illness. But why doesn’t he mention that President Trump ended former President Barack Obama-era background checks on gun purchases by those who have mental illness?
And why doesn’t it trouble Malcolm that anyone over 18 years old in this country can still purchase a military assault-style weapon, or that there is no comprehensive system of universal background checks on gun purchases? My title for a more rational column on this subject would be “Response to gun violence — change the law.”
Eleanor Fischbein, Alameda
Irrational arrogance
Regarding “Don’t oust judge who followed the law” (Editorial, Feb. 12): The editors are absolutely correct in objecting to the petition drive and ballot measure to remove Judge Aaron Pesky from the bench.
The primary driver being disagreement with his decision regarding the Stanford sexual assault case in June of 2016. The irrational arrogance of the petition leaders to assume they know more of the details of the case and the law is another example of self-righteous, agenda-driven arrogance that disregards the truth and the law. How much could the petition signers know about the actual history and events of the case without court attendance or access to court transcripts?
The Chronicle editors correctly point out the importance of the rule of law and the of adhering to it, rather than to emotional biases dominating media coverage of this case. Hope by the time of the vote some trickles of rational objective thought will evidence itself, and hope The Chronicle will support it. Robert Rissel, San Jose
Give G.U.N.S.
How about we start giving teachers G.U.N.S.: Great pay, Unlimited appreciation, Nice rooms, and School supplies. Brian Hoang, San Francisco
Use metal detectors
Instead of arming teachers, open school campuses should be completely fenced with a limited amount of entrances and metal detectors installed at each entrance.
Since it’s not possible to staff the metal detectors all day, the detectors should have loud alarms, as well as cameras monitoring the detectors.
Lisa Essa, San Francisco
Chocolate edibles
Concerning “Did they Kiss and make up?” (Daily Briefing, Feb. 23): Rather than issuing cease-and-desist orders against marijuana dispensaries who have similar product names, the Hershey Co. should consider joining the burgeoning edible pot market.
Perhaps we will soon see a Hershey’s “420 Chocolate Bar” or “Mr. J’s Kit Kats” for sale to recreational users with a sweet tooth.
Dylan Seeger, San Francisco
Limit screen time
Concerning “Silicon Valley — we need better parental controls” (Opinion, Feb. 23): While it’s important to discuss parental controls on what content children can access on their smartphones or tablets, the amount of time that tweens and teens are on these devices also needs to be part of this conversation.
According to Common Sense Media, today’s adolescents are spending nearly one third of their days engaging with electronic media (music videos, gaming, texting and using social apps). There are also recent studies linking increased time by teens on electronic devices and smartphones with higher rates of depression and suicide attempts.
Parents must be vigilant not just about what content their children can access online, but also about how it affects their moods. And please limit screen time so that our youth can learn to appreciate the real world around them. Jenny Wong, Daly City