Thank you for the feedback, positive or not, to our newsletter last week about the Parkland shooting. Most were supportive of our views that stopping the violence against kids is the first priority and that the influence of the NRA on Congress and the White House are a primary obstacle. We are grateful for that.
Some were opposed, and several thought it was not the place of a magazine that is largely for grandparents to opine about our grandkids being shot to death in their classrooms. We don’t see it that way, but genuinely appreciate hearing from others. We learn most from those we disagree with.
In the week since there is some reason to think that this time it might be different. Students, themselves, are furious and an overwhelming majority of Americans want some action. 97% support universal background checks…is there ANY other issue on which so many agree?
Raising the age that you can buy an assault rifle from 18 to 21 is pretty obvious low hanging fruit. Most people would assume that if you’re not mature enough to drink beer, you’re not ready to purchase your own combat weapon. Of course, that’s applying a common sense litmus test and the NRA has proven very effective at batting those down.
Arming teachers? Taking that as a serious suggestion, it seems like it might deter a school shooter while introducing countless new risks as tens of thousands of guns flood our schools. More, it would create a battle zone atmosphere that would further degrade public education, which is a centerpiece of a peaceful, democratic society. All to defend against a pointless hazard of our own making.
Brian Mast is a Republican congressman, an NRA member, and a 12 year Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He lost both legs in combat. Though one need not have such a resume to hold thoughtful opinions on guns, his experience and his sacrifice should earn him a couple of minutes of our time. If my ‘liberal rants’ have you seething with anger, please take a few minutes to get reasoned thoughts about this subject from a pro-gun conservative.
As before, I welcome your opinions and will try to post on the website to help inform others on this uniquely American problem and its solutions.
Thank you for your kind support.
Christine Crosby
