NEWTOWN SHOOTINGS

In the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy (and similar tragedies), our nation has gone into a frenzy to find a solution.

Some people demand tighter gun controls and limits on the Second Amendment. Others demand media controls and limits on the First Amendment. Still others demand that better mental health care be made available. It is my opinion that some measure looking at all three approaches is necessary.

The NRA, in blaming the media — and specifically, movies and video games — is disingenuous. Other countries have youth watching the same movies and playing the same video games as American youth, yet these countries do not experience the wholesale violence that has become prevalent here. Why? Other countries have successfully limited gun availability, yet maintain a system of private gun ownership that assures personal freedom. Why can’t something similar be implemented here?

Blaming somebody else is not going to proffer a solution. We must remove from the equation those with an ulterior agenda, and address the problem honestly. Otherwise, the status quo will continue; nothing will be done, and more innocents will die.

CARLTON WYATT, ATLANTA

STUDENT SAFETY

Armed school officer

could have saved lives

Regarding “Military weaponry is immediate threat” (Readers write, Opinion, Dec. 27), the writer states that as a former infantry officer, he knows that semiautomatic military-style rifles have one purpose: to kill the enemy by accurately firing large numbers of bullets in a short period of time. Exactly — and the monster who killed the schoolchildren in Connecticut was the enemy.

The Second Amendment is not about hunting. It is about the right to protect family and self. It behooves one to be prepared in the best manner possible. We owe it to our families, and society owed it to those slain in Connecticut. Had an armed teacher or protector been located at that school, perhaps there would have been fewer deaths. I for one had rather taken my chances with the presence of an armed guard, instead of the mercy of a killer.

WALT FARMER, MCDONOUGH

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Those missing transit

chose their lifestyles

Regarding “Changing suburbs outpace mass transit” (News, Dec. 27), why are we failing to recognize that there is a new normal? Old and young have an expectation that no matter what lifestyle they choose, it is the government’s responsibility to provide for them.

I grew up during World War II. There were at least a dozen people living in our five-room apartment. Yes, everyone was poor, but we took care of each other.

Today, we are creating endless dependency and never-ending demands on public monies, and perpetually increasing taxes.

BRANDT ROSS, ATLANTA

GOVERNMENT

Kerry is qualified

to fill cabinet post

I am pulling for U.S. Sen. John Kerry to be appointed as secretary of state.

As one of the wealthiest members of Congress, he understands how to control off-shore and Swiss banking accounts and, therefore, understands the management of the average American’s wealth. As a diplomat, he could also help guide the American economy into the successful European model.

GUY FRAZER, CUMMING