Opinion articles provide independent perspectives on key community issues, separate from our newsroom reporting.

Letters to the Editor

American gun culture needs some restraint

Robert Soltis, of Newtown, Conn., pauses after making the sign of the cross at a memorial to Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victims in Newtown in 2012. A Florida Atlantic University professor faces possible termination over his arguments that the attack was staged and alleged harassment of the parents of one of the 26 children killed at the school.
Robert Soltis, of Newtown, Conn., pauses after making the sign of the cross at a memorial to Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victims in Newtown in 2012. A Florida Atlantic University professor faces possible termination over his arguments that the attack was staged and alleged harassment of the parents of one of the 26 children killed at the school. Charles Krupa Associated Press file

Regarding gun control: I would like to see all guns that are purchased registered, and all those who purchase them to go through background checks. I am in favor of the ban on assault rifles, the very name of which should clue you in to their purpose.

These desires do not mean that I don't want any guns sold or used responsibly. It means that guns should be registered and traced just as we trace animals and cars.

I do not want to live in a society where everyone has a weapon strapped to his body. Do you really think that people who drive angrily and irresponsibly, who cut in front you in the supermarket or movie line, or who are rude in other facets of life, are suddenly going to become responsible models of restraint and good judgment when they carry a gun?

I am fearful of the day when I go to a public venue and am surrounded by people who are armed and whose goal is to intimidate others.

Lastly, I would like to know how many guns one person needs -- five, 10, 100? And what constitutes an arsenal to law enforcement personnel?

The last I checked, a person can only use one gun at a time. I shudder to think that our grandchildren are growing up in a culture where guns and other weaponry are the most important cultural items that we can pass on.

Michele Ferner

Bradenton

This story was originally published January 7, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "American gun culture needs some restraint ."

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER