Shootings spur widespread grief, words, and no action Self-defense does not necessitate assault weapons

officials like Gov. Rick Scott and Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi have decided to use this tragedy to further their political goals.

The frightening and troublesome thing is that, once again, politicians are blaming everything but guns for this tragedy. They now are suggesting that we report every strange and inappropriate thing a teen does or says to authorities. They want police to be able to commit kids for psychiatric intervention for thoughts or what police consider abhorrent behavior, while they are not recommending any gun controls. Guns are sacrosanct but civil liberties and other of our freedoms are not.

It is time we stood up to the NRA, and it’s time our legislators grow a spine and pass some gun controls. Mental health is a legitimate concern , but gun control is a necessity. This is not the wrong time, rather, past time to act.

Marvin Wolf, Plantation something about it, and again and again nothing is being done.

If voters would make sure when they vote for politicians or judges, that their vote does not go to anyone who took campaign money from the National Rifle Association, it might be possible to pass legislation to reduce the homicide levels in this country. Unfortunately, mass shootings, even at a local school, result in widespread grief, warm words and no action. America was not prepared to act after the Sandy Hook shootings, but it could be different this time.

Legislators could stop all gun purchases without background checks, and ensure that firearms are kept in locked cupboards at home, but they will not do so if the NRA persists in its grip of politicians.

Until our federal and state elected officials pass gun control laws that are at least as restrictive on assault weapons as those that were in place during the George W. Bush administration (43rd president), the voters have but one choice — vote only for those candidates that promise to pass such restrictive laws.

Anyone who postulates that these weapons are needed for self-defense in the home is patently wrong. The best weapon to defend one’s home, in my view, is a double barrelled shotgun. Accurate aim is not needed within 10-15 feet. The burst and spread of the pellets will disable any intruder. I cannot think of one reason why an assault weapon needs to be in the possession of any civilian.