Let’s have the right debate on gun violence

If we want to have a serious dialogue about stopping gun violence in America, we must stop arguing about Second Amendment gun rights. There is no Second Amendment right for an individual to own a gun as an individual, but only when serving in a militia.

Supreme Court Justice Warren E. Burger made that clear as late as 1991 when he said that the gun lobby had committed fraud on the American public by distorting the meaning of the Second Amendment to apply to general gun rights for individuals. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens also emphasized this when he proposed that the last sentence of the Second Amendment should read, “The right of the people to keep and bear arms when serving in the militia shall not be infringed.”

We need to forget about the Second Amendment if we are to have meaningful discussions about ways to stop gun violence caused by individuals. Dick Foster White Rock

Frankie, come back

Perhaps Mayor Javier Gonzales, on behalf of the City Different (and proud), might wish to pen a letter to the writers and producers of the Netflix series, Grace and Frankie, to rebut the reasoning behind Frankie’s decision to end her sojourn in Santa Fe and return to San Diego.

In the fourth season, recently released, Frankie — played by Lily Tomlin — contends that she hates Santa Fe because it’s “too hot,” “has too many snakes” and because the women here largely wear balloon pants.

Take your pick, mayor; that is, if you aren’t too busy killing all those snakes. Mark Dunn Santa Fe

Maestas solves problems

Joseph Maestas is worthy of a high ranking when voters choose candidates for mayor.

He has more local governmental experience than any of the candidates, including four years as Santa Fe city councilor and 10 years as Española city councilor and mayor.

He also has served with Conservation Voters of New Mexico, New Mexico Voices for Children, Hispanic Elected Local Officials and the New Mexico Municipal League.

Maestas would continue working to hold the city accountable on spending by establishing an inspector general to investigate fraud, waste and abuse. He would eliminate the deputy city manager position.

Maestas also has supported those with less — by championing policies such as the resident’s bill of rights to address inequity, ensuring that money earmarked for public transportation isn’t spent elsewhere and making more affordable housing a high priority.

As a professional engineer with wide experience, Maestas knows how to analyze and solve the problems that Santa Fe faces. Judy Klinger

Santa Fe

The right vision

I’m supporting Alan Webber for mayor because he has the right vision and leadership to continue growing and diversifying Santa Fe’s economy from the ground up.

Alan has 40 years of experience managing businesses, nonprofit and government agencies.

For several years at the Harvard Business Review, Alan researched, analyzed and evaluated the management practices of all types and sizes of organizations. He has mentored dozens of Santa Fe businesses and organizations, including Meow Wolf and Descartes Labs, two of the most exciting and largest new businesses in Santa Fe, as well as many Santa Fe women in business.

Importantly, Alan has the right vision for strengthening our economy and our sustainability.

He has worked with environmental groups throughout New Mexico. He has written and spoken on, and he cares deeply about, environmental issues. Most importantly, I believe that Alan is a person of compassion, kindness and intelligence. John Bingaman

Santa Fe