NRA members are law-abiding, principled

The cacophony of the left whenever a horrific gun event occurs is to be expected. However, the media, as usual, misses the fact that National Rifle Association members are devoted to the country and its principles, and are law-abiding and stringent about gun usage, using their guns for hunting, target practice, and selfdefense.

How many NRA members are involved in these massacres?

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Barbara Hill,

In the movie “No Country for Old Men,” the hardened lawman had dealt his entire life with what he had thought was the worst humans could do. Yet, near the end, he encountered an evil even he had not dreamed of. Thus, his lament: “This is no country for old men.”

At age 75, after growing up in the “serene” 1950s, I have witnessed national gun-related horrors from the assassination of John F. Kennedy through this latest massacre of the innocents.

When I retired from a 35year teaching career, I looked forward to a time of peace of mind and relaxation. Since then, our country has killed and maimed hundreds of thousands of people in an unjust war and promulgated lax gun laws that have resulted in mass killings in schools, malls and churches. I have been haunted by the image, when President Obama visited Arizona in his first term, of a man standing several yards from him with an assault rifle on his shoulder.

So, I have spent my “golden years” with a broken heart about the culture of violence in America. Television, movies, video games, toys, clueless parenting: All have contributed to the country becoming a “killing field.” This has become no country for old women.

— Cheryl Byers,

Heartbreaking violence

Tired of bashing of NRA

I have been a member of the NRA for 50 years. I am very glad that there is such an organization to protect the rights of all citizens regarding the Second Amendment no matter what their political leanings are.

I enjoy shooting all types of weapons. I enjoy the historical interest in a variety of weapons. No matter what a lot of people might say, firearms were one of the factors in building America. I am tired of hearing the highly questionable news media and certain politicians “trash” my organization.

Yes, what happened in Newtown, Conn., was tragic. That mother did everything right and tried to raise a kid that was probably getting more difficult each day.

I am sure that when I hear the expression “sensible gun laws” from the politicians, my definition will differ from theirs.

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Jack Maichel,

A New Year’s suggestion

Well, it has begun again: the great debate on gun control.

I am not taking a stand either for or against, but I would encourage our lawmakers to think about the real issue that no one seems to be addressing. Starting with our children, the need for more funding for more help to parents with children who have special needs, mental or physical, or even for parenting skills!

How about more funding for schools — teachers, counselors and health professionals — who can see and address the problems before the crises?

And what about more funds for Child Protective Services? In so many cases this past year, it is young adults who lashed out in a violent way against innocent victims. We really do need to, as the Bible suggests, “Train up a child in the way they should go.”

Yes, we are all busy with our lives, with struggling day to day with our own families. I encourage you to take a moment to let your legislators know they must get their priorities in order for those who need it most.

And then, take a moment to reach out to someone you know who may be struggling. Offer a moment of solace, a smile, a helping hand, a hug of encouragement. You could be the difference that saves a life with your caring. I am making that my New Year’s resolution!

— Camille Levee,

Bad behavior is tolerated

A society is shocked and dismayed over another mass taking of human life. Lurking in the background are the shadows of endless societal behavioral indulgence that foster a grand tolerance for mayhem, violence, promiscuity, wantonness, irresponsibility and selfishness.

The price we pay surfaces in the destruction of the family unit; lack of respect for the law; illegitimacy and parental abdication; a diminution in the value of life; and the promotion of aberrant sexual behaviors. We are told that we cannot judge behavior of others; we must accept the choices indi- viduals make; that there is no objective standard for behavior; and that individual “reason” is the end-all behavioral justification.

Thus, behavior has become politicized and the consequences of bad behaviors, although repugnant, are not enough to condemn the root causes of the calamities and societal dysfunctions we endure. The liberal fears that 19thcentury moral standards will dominate is replaced by the actuality that we are returning to the moral decadence of Babylon and Rome with their attendant evils.

— George Garbell,

Our movies are too dark

Last weekend, I attended two movies in two different theaters. In both, I sat through the previews of upcoming movies.

The previews were disgusting examples of depravity, darkness and death. There were few, if any, feel-good movies or holiday movies. It was a barrage of poor taste, considering the massacre in Connecticut.

I challenge the local owners of these major theater groups to review what they are promoting to the general public.

— Brian McConnell,

The NRA has officially adopted the Archie Bunker solution to gun violence. If you recall, Archie suggested the way to prevent airline hijackings was to issue a gun to every passenger upon boarding. Of course, Archie Bunker was a caricature for the purpose of comedy. The NRA?

— Rusty Brown,

The NRA has suggested armed guards in schools. The groups that are afraid of guns immediately shot down that idea.

Does anyone remember police departments providing school resource officers? It’s still a valid idea. — Fred J. Brightman,

A better solution needed

The days after the Connecticut shooting have brought predictable reactions from both sides of the gun debate. I’ve always favored stricter gun laws myself, but I am starting to wonder if the other side might be right.

However, that doesn’t make me happy. It makes me ashamed of my country if the best solution we can find to keep our children safe in school is to arm the faculty. Surely, we can do better than that.

— Robert Ryden,

Shades of Archie Bunker

NRA’s proposal is valid