Moving forward from gun violence
Can anything be done to quell the epidemic of gun violence in the U. S. today? The standard Republican and National Rifle Association response to the demands for gun control is that “guns don’t kill people, people do.”
That’s true, but it is also true that automatic and semi- automatic weapons kill a lot more people, a lot more quickly.
Our own Sen. Pat Toomey, RPa., is probably right in concluding that banning assault- style weapons is at this point unrealistic, given their popularity and the vehemence of gun rights advocates.
Let’s face the facts — most people desire this weaponry not to blow away Bambi but as a hedge against their bleakest visions of the future. In particular, some right- wingers see the potential for a central government so tyrannical that taking up arms becomes necessary.
For most of us, this is unimaginable, but it is probably what the Founding Fathers had in mind when they wrote the Second Amendment.
Maybe the same Second Amendment provides a way to move forward. The text refers to a “well regulated militia.” What if each state sets up its own militia, with no federal participation whatever?
Ownership of anything beyond a handgun, sporting rifle or shotgun would require membership in the militia. Individuals would provide the hardware; the state would provide training and periodic screening for mental illness, anger management issues and adherence to violent, hate- laden ideologies.
This approach would be a uniquely American form of gun control, one completely conforming to the Constitution. RICHARD KREPSKI
Highland Park
Rising concerns
The mass shootings, failing social contract issues in large cities and mob rants contribute to a daily chaotic experience. The news commentators blame the president, Democratic leaders and others, but there would seem to be a more pervasive concern.
The Germans have a word, “zeitgeist,” which means the spirit of a specific period in history. I’m afraid it will continue and is only going to get worse. Buckle up.
ROBERT EUGENE KLINE
Bloomfield
Mindset for change
White nationalism is the viciously rapid spreading cancer that is destroying the soul of America. America, wake up and connect the dots. White nationalism is the evil mindset behind the horrific mass murder in El Paso, Texas. At least 22 people, mostly Hispanic, were killed in cold blood in El Paso. Patrick Crusius of Allen, Texas, has been charged with the killings.
The evil mindset of white nationalists will kill anyone who stands in their way, directly or indirectly.
America needs a mindset for change to prevent America from totally becoming AmeriKKKa. America cannot return to business as usual. America needs a major mindset for change that is more powerful than the National Rifle Association. We need a major mindset for change to stop the rising tide of the white nationalist’s evil trinity of racism, classism and sexism throughout the entire landscape of America.
President Donald Trump’s very own words, his very own rhetoric, fully backed by his very own politics, policies and practices of racism, classism and sexism have literally led to weak- minded white nationalists becoming the gun squad to carry out d e a d l y a c t s o f v i o l e n c e against minorities and anyone of any color who gets in their way.
Face the truth, America, and develop, implement and spread a mindset for change to stop this domestic terrorism known as white nationalism with the tremendous urgency of now!
ARTHUR L. MACKEY JR.
Roosevelt, N. Y.
The writer is a senior pastor at Mount Sinai Baptist Church Cathedral in Roosevelt, N. Y.
Please vote
Enough rhetoric! Please, please, please get out and vote when the time comes. Maybe we can get a decent human being in the White House before we have another civil war ... or worse!
TONY MASTRANGELO
Pennsbury Village