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Letters to the Editor

Solution to mass shootings is simple

(From L-R) Madion Johnson, 19, Shane Young, 17, David Santiago-Tate, 16, Christina Rhothimir, 17, and Kyle Miesemer,19, all members of the Zebra coalition, an LGBT youth organization in Orlando attend a vigil for the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting. The vigil was on the lawn of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Mon., June 13, 2016.
(From L-R) Madion Johnson, 19, Shane Young, 17, David Santiago-Tate, 16, Christina Rhothimir, 17, and Kyle Miesemer,19, all members of the Zebra coalition, an LGBT youth organization in Orlando attend a vigil for the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting. The vigil was on the lawn of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Mon., June 13, 2016. emichot@miamiherald.com

Obviously, all of our first reactions to the terrible tragedy in Orlando is to lash out and seek vengeance upon those who are responsible. Our thoughts are full of anger, grief and retribution. Probably, rightly so.

But the real question is how do we provide a solution to these acts of extreme hate and terrorism. We can act out of anger and hostility and strike out at those we deem responsible. Or we can identify the real cause and address that. We can be Americans and come together and decide that our reaction will make a decided difference.

Forget the invectives that our politicians may throw out there. Rather, follow those who calmly fact find; identify the cause and craft a response that will devastate those that are responsible. Our response must make a difference.

In addition, we must choose to address how these tragedies occur. Stop talking about guns and controls and arming ourselves. Bottom line: eliminate the guns. Common sense simply dictates this is right.

As Americans, come together. Support each other. Let the world know that we will not accept this. And we will act in unity to make a difference.

Dan McDevitt

Bradenton

This story was originally published June 14, 2016 at 3:44 PM with the headline "Solution to mass shootings is simple."

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