Editor,
I am so proud of the House Democrats! The revolution that Bernie Sanders spoke about was catapulted into reality when a group of Democrats, fed up with fainthearted gestures of concern from Republican House members, took action for meaningful change.
In amazing coverage by C-SPAN and later via the internet, the American public could clearly witness blatant Republican obstructionism (an everyday occurrence for President Obama during his entire presidency). But “no more!” say the Democrats, and we as citizens should say no more as well!
NRA money has persuaded conservative members of Congress to trivialize gun violence and, apparently, to oppose any attempt at gun regulations. The proof was solidly visible on your TV screen and on social media. Democrats shouted, “Let’s have a debate, let’s have Republican members tell us why they disagree, Americans want us to get something done, no vote, no break.” Republican replies varied between “no” and “hell no.”
All Americans should ask: Why not? Must we continue to endure more slaughter of innocent people for the sake of even one person who owns a gun they should not have? Are the Republicans excusing those killed as unavoidable “collateral damage” or the price of exercising Second Amendment rights? Sadly, our government and average people cannot reliably identify mental illness. We don’t know who and when someone can be turned into a terrorist. The only reasonable option is to control access to guns by those we can identify (felons, suspected terrorists and potentially others). We are likely to miss some people who will continue to kill and create mayhem. But for God’s sake, can’t we try to stop some of the killing and save whatever lives we can?
A few gun owners will protest that military-style weaponry offers the ultimate in personal and family protection. Really? In this day of worldwide surveillance and drones, I think survival is much more likely dependent on good relationships with others, rather than “taking down the enemy.” Use your vote to send a clear message that Congress must act on reasonable gun legislation before the next call for moments of silence.
PAULETTE BECKER
Useless Bay
