Here is what you hear out of Washington: The NRA is a formidable lobby; the Second Amendment is impenetrable, the trouble is mental illness or terrorists on watch lists should not be able to buy guns. Are you kidding me? The dribble goes on and on ("No one needs assault rifles for home defense," June 22).
I say put gun control on the ballot. Let's hear from the American people! Obviously, we will not hear from the U.S. House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate, so let's hear the American people so that their votes will be counted once and for all.
Make the questions simple: Do you want stronger gun control in the United States? Do you think military assault weapons should be sold in gun stores, at gun shows and on-line? Yes or no?
On the night of the election, results are reported almost instantaneously. Surely responses to such gun control questions would be known early on as well and hopefully, effective action would be taken immediately rather than six months later when everyone (legally or not) can stockpile their weaponry.
To those who say it is too late to put this on the ballot, I say, "Really? We don't know the names of the vice presidential candidates today but you better believe their names will be on the ballot."
One final comment about the invisible NRA members who seem to control this national issue: I can appreciate and respect the fervor in wanting to protect the Bill of Rights which is all well and good, but keep in mind that when the Second Amendment was ratified in 1791, the militia was carrying muskets. Unprovoked mass slaughters and murders were not being carried out in public places by 21st century assault weapons.
However, for those who are proud to be active and responsible gun owners, I urge you to take that privilege even further by being the first to volunteer to help victims in your individual states whenever the next gun massacre takes place. Your comprehension of gun usage might bring some comfort to shattered family members.
Welby H. Loane, Lutherville