Whistling past the graveyard

To the Editor:

With my last letter discussing how America's great democratic experiment was facing an existential crisis caused by right-wing extremists, I had hoped to have a more upbeat theme this time.

So many great things are happening — a judge orders the disgraced former president to stand trial for some of his crimes in New York. His chief of staff and others testifying, “Trump expressed support for hanging Pence during Capitol riot, Jan. 6 panel told.” (sources Politico, NY Times, Washington Post, etc.), and more.

But our joy was soon tempered, by news of another massacre of innocent Americans. This time the slaughter of 19 sweet innocent 9-10 year olds and two beloved teachers. Only thing nearly as repugnant was the right wing falling to their knees pledging support for those weapons of mass destruction and death. Trump, Abbott and Cruz remain keynote speakers at the NRA Dallas convention is right up there, too.

Today, as I opened up my morning Union Democrat, I saw colored photos of young school children. I thought they were pictures of the children blown to pieces in Uvalde, but they weren't. They were pictures of Tuolumne County students. Think about it, just who will be next?

Bottom line: The only thing that will stop this pattern of death and grief is to outlaw all rapid-fire assault-style long guns and high-capacity clips. This can be done, read what the late Justice Scalia wrote.

On a national level, the Second Amendment reads, “A well regulated militia….” That means only the National Guard or military reserves, not the State of Jefferson confederate secessionists.

The only way to stop the carnage is to get the assault-style weapons off the streets. Otherwise, all you're doing is whistling past the graveyard. Domenic Torchia

Columbia