U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy again appears to come out in defense of the National Rifle Association stating that the problem is mental health issues and never mentioning guns ("Let Newtown Inspire Action," Dec. 30). I agree that most of the shooters do have mental health issues, but if the guns were not available, there would not be the slaughter of innocent children and citizens. Some proponents of the NRA are actually advising arming our teachers in our schools. Where will it all end -- arming the ushers in our churches to protect the praying public? Arming every citizen with a gun for protection?

With the existence of so much violence shown on the TV and other media and violent games available to our adolescents, we have become worse than the "Wild West" with violence shown daily and rifles and assault weapons more prolific than ever. As a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, my heart breaks for our children in this dangerous world and that we have allowed this brutality to happen. Get rid of the guns, please!

JOAN KENT
Scott

First Published: January 2, 2013, 5:00 a.m.