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This is for all gun owners and enthusiasts, National Rifle Association members or not. While you may share my grief and sadness over the massacre in Newtown, Conn., that is not enough.
I do not own a gun, but I get it that you value guns. Guns contribute to your security, to your hunting, to your mastery of technology or to fellowship with other gun owners. I get it that you won't give up something you value. So what are you going to do?
Please don't say we need more security at our schools. We already have more than at any time in our history. It does not help. Nor is it just our schools that we fail to protect.
Please don't say arming everyone including our teachers is the answer. We could debate how shooting back affects the carnage, killing the shooter sooner or taking more lives in the crossfire. Regardless, the attacks will continue with innocent lives lost, so how can this be an adequate solution?
In the United States, of all technologies that maim or kill, guns are the least regulated for responsible use. The Second Amendment does not forbid reasonable regulation. So what rules will you accept to keep guns away from people unable to use guns responsibly? Tell your representatives. Tell the NRA.
But if you do nothing, then I will be disappointed and angry because my need for a safe and secure society for myself, my friends and our children is not being met.
CLAUS MAKOWKA
Oakland
First Published December 25, 2012 12:00 am
