Our nation needs metaphorical CPR
WhenI first heard Rick Santorum’s response to the impassioned plea by Emma Gonzalez to “fight for your lives before it’s someone else’s job,” I thought it was an empty and patronizing dismissal of her and her cause (March 26, “Survivors Asking Youthto Step Up”). Upon further reflection I find wisdom and a scary inspiration in the metaphorical translation of his comments.
Our country is in need of lifesaving measures. Not only do we suffer from gun violence but also from other life-threatening ills in our country. The plague of opioid abuse, a growing economic division between haves and have-nots, an inability to come together over the issues that divide us and, perhaps most important, a national leader who surrounds himself with a plethora of corrupt, incompetent and unqualified people and who himself shows contempt for decency in his treatment of those who dare disagree with him. All of these factors put us in great jeopardy as a country and as individuals.
Metaphorically, it is time to employ CPR. It’s time to breathe life back into our society. There are a number of ways to accomplish this. Talk to your neighbor. Let people know that you care. Practice respect with courage. Followthe Golden Rule.
Oh, and Emma Gonzalez, you and your classmates continue your fine work. You are an inspiration to millions. Be humble, be diligent and use your best metaphorical CPR to “Bring America Backto Life Again.” DAVE GEIS
Richland
We welcome your opinion
gun control and school safety. They give me so much hope. JANICE C. BREHM Wilmerding
Warning to gun lobby-fearing politicians: Many of the“children” who participated in the recent 17-minute remembrance at schools and in March for Our Lives will be voters when the next presidential election is held. ARTHUR S. ELLIS
Upper St. Clair
I offer this as a public service to all of the Post-Gazette “letters to the editor” writers who offer uneducated opinions regarding semi-automatic guns. Almost all of the pistols and long arms on the market today can be classified as semi-automatic. Automatic guns have been banned for commercial use for decades. I respectfully urge them to read the following definition of semiautomatic guns.
Semi-automatic guns incorporate some kind of disconnector mechanism, which requires that the trigger be released and then re-pressed each time a shot is fired. This prevents the gun from machine-gunning, or firing repeatedly when the trigger is pulled and held back.
Please, letter writers, also stop unjustly criticizing the National Rifle Association and portraying it as the boogeyman in any discussion regarding guns. In addition to advocating for the defense of our Second Amendment rights, the NRA is dedicated to instructing the public on the legal and safe usage of arms. It does not sell guns. To my knowledge, there has never been an NRA member involved in any of the mass shootings. Blaming the NRA for school shootingswould be akin to blamingthe AAA for auto deaths. GILBERT DADOWSKI
Moon
We don’t want bullying in our schools, but it seems to be OK for grown men and women (in particular, politicians from both parties) to bully each other on nationwide television for our kids to see. This is telling our kids and everyone that bullying is OK.
What a terrible example for everyone, but especially our children. Grow up! CHUCK (FUZZY) RAY
Chalfant
Hail to Pitt! Having been an avid Pitt basketball fan for more than 30 years, I felt my interest diminishing almost to nonexistent this winter during our dismal season. What a pleasant surprise to find that Duke associate head coach Jeff Capel will be our new coach (March 28, “Coach Jeff Capel Hired to Take On Challenge of Restoring Pitt Basketball”).
I have a renewed enthusiasm and look forward to the months to come! Thank you, Pitt Athletic Department. ANNE McDONOUGH
Squirrel Hill