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To the editor:

Once again, I am sickened and totally disheartened by the recent mass murders at the grocery store in Buffalo and those of the schoolchildren and their teachers in Uvalde, Texas. These events could have been prevented, or at least ameliorated, but for the inaction and ineptitude of our elected representatives.

It is clear that the majority of Americans support stronger gun control measures. It is crystal clear that enacting them is a large part of stopping the violence to which we have become all too inured. Each time this kind of slaughter occurs, be it in a church, school, grocery store, mall, or wherever, we are appalled and horrified. We, the people, call for change, but our elected representatives do nothing. I am sick of their inaction, and I am calling for change. I implore them to stand up and do the right thing, to do something now.

I know I am not the only citizen who wants these changes made. I am sick and tired of hearing about the 2nd Amendment. If the Founding Fathers could be here today, I seriously doubt they would agree with the current egregious misinterpretation of their words. If we do not make changes to the gun laws in this country, these tragedies will continue to occur. We will have no one to blame but ourselves, and, more to the point, no one to blame but our elected officials.

I propose and support that the age for legal purchase of a firearm be raised to 21.

I propose and support expanded background checks for all who seek to purchase a firearm.

I propose and support that assault weapons such as AK-47s and AR-15s be banned nationwide, as well as large-volume ammunition magazines. These are weapons of war, and any right-minded person has absolutely no need to own or use one outside of the battlefield. Should they feel so led, they might consider joining the National Guard.

I propose and support expanded security in all school buildings by way of single-access entry, locking classroom doors, and on-site security personnel during all school hours.

I am cognizant of the role mental health plays in these horrendous actions. However, I find it inconceivable that our leadership seriously thinks that mental health care reform is all that is required, as well as increased security in schools. What next? Metal detectors in church? I can’t believe our citizenry is willing to live with the results of our intransigence on this issue. It seems reasonable to me to suggest that removing, insofar as possible, the mechanisms by which these crimes are committed is a necessary concomitant measure.

The law-abiding gun owners of the United States are really going to have to tolerate more stringent restrictions to their right to own and bear arms. This should not be a burden too heavy to shoulder. Saving the lives of their children, grandchildren, neighbors, and fellow Americans should be worth it to them and to us all.

Thank you for your time and attention to this critical matter. It could impact any one of us any day.

Kathleen Thornett

Mocksville