Can We Stop Future Shootings?

lImagine for a moment that some good person at the scene of most of the mass killings in recent memory had a weapon and knew how to use it (“Anti Christ,” Oct. 2).

How many of the murderers would have been stopped? How many lives would have been saved?

How would antigun politicians react if there had been a legally armed citizen present who was able to put down the animal responsible for the shootings?

Would they have condemned them? I think not. William Fisher

Suffern lThe young man who perpetrated the mass killings at Umpqua Community College was a sick, lonely person who should have been institutionalized before the carnage occurred.

There’s plenty of blame to go around, starting with his family. But, there needs to be a serious discussion about mental health. More asylums need to be built that are staffed with competent physicians to handle these unfortunate, disturbed individuals.

It’s up to Congress and local legislators to act immediately. Herb Stark Mooresville, NC lIn order to cut down on shootings, here’s a proposal for gun control: Each person who wants to buy a gun must show proof of holding a responsible job for three years, still in good standing, plus submit names, addresses and phone numbers of three friends having the same requirements. Marvin Stiglitz

Manhattan