To quote Shakespeare, there’s a great many people qualifying as “ the idiot upon the stage full of sound and fury signifying nothing.”
We absolutely wouldn’t suggest all adults in schools being armed. Most would find that unthinkable because of fear or outright hatred of guns.
The sad irony is that Nancy Lanza was the prototype for the perfect armed person at a school. Only one is needed and uniformed police have the disadvantage of being too visible. These mental cases may be a few fries short of a happy meal, but they are not stupid. They are going to seek out any identifiable threat to their mission first.
Much has been said of the ammo used. Mrs. Lanza was following the advice from knowledgable sources to use hollow points for home defense. These lessen the danger of over-penetration of the threat with rounds continuing through walls to occupied rooms. The desire is to stop, not necessarily kill.
Women and older people or anyone facing multiple threats needs an equalizer. Restraining orders don’t save abused women and the idea of gun-safe zones is criminal.
We absolutely have to do better in identifying these troubled people and getting them in a data base such as we have for felons, sex offenders and no-flyers if we expect to keep weapons out of their hands. Help them with chemicals, which must be taken or fit them with a 24/7 ankle GPS.
Those professionals in psychoanalysis aren’t necessarily interested in the greater good to society. The needs of a few should not trample the needs of many. Those violent video games need to be addressed.
Here’s the most tragic stat of all. Of 900,000 denials made between 1999 and 2009 from instant check, only 1.8 percent were due to mental illness. That isn’t a few slipping through the cracks. Thats a tidal wave of failure because those people aren’t in any data base. You need to get angry about that.
CARSON LEMMON
Richmond Hill
Police aren’t always there to protect you
On Dec. 21, a reader asked why anyone not in law enforcement needs any type of assault weapon.
Their reason is your reason.
Don’t think you’ll ever need them? Simply go to YouTube and look for videos of the riots in LA. Look for the videos where Korean store owners used weapons to defend themselves and their property.
In some, you’ll see the smoke of millions of dollars in buildings and other properties wafting through the air, but their stores did not burn. As you watch the videos, make note of how long the battle went on with nary a government official in sight.
The police and the National Guard showed up long after much death and destruction occurred.
Remember this: When things are at their darkest and seconds count, the police are only minutes away. It’s not their fault. It just will always be that way.
What good is the First Amendment or any of the others without the Second Amendment? Why not ask the publisher of any newspaper that question?
In history there are many instances of violence and tyranny. Like LA, the violence can build quickly and unexpectedly. What will you do then? Will you pray for the cavalry or will you defend your home, family or classroom?
When a tyrant decides he no longer will be restrained by our constitution what will you do? Protest? Write a letter? Good luck with that.
Taking a life to defend yourself against tyranny or violence isn’t easy for some. If you decide you can’t do anything, at least stand aside for someone willing to step into the breach.
And certainly don’t take away the tools that are necessary.
EMIL PUHAK
Richmond Hill
Ending gun ownership would trigger revolt
I find it interesting that through all of this debate about gun control, nobody ever mentions Prohibition.
Unlike the right to keep and bear arms, there was never a right to consume alcohol, so in the 1920s an amendment was added to the Constitution to ban it.
Virtually nobody, except people who already didn’t drink, obeyed the law. Prohibition increased crime and made gangsters more powerful. After eight years, the government realized that the law needed to be repealed.
There are millions of people in this country who would not comply with gun bans either. Since President Obama was re-elected, tens of thousands of the guns he wants to ban have been purchased. Do you think these folks spent thousands of dollars so that they could turn them in?
The level of gun control (confiscation) that would be needed to make society safe could result in open revolt. These reactionary politicians might want to see where they are going here.
DAVID SIKORSKY
Savannah
Public school bows to political correctness
I received an invitation to have Thanksgiving lunch at my grandson’s school, Marshpoint Elementary. I had a great time and enjoyed the opportunity.
A few weeks ago, I received another invitation to have lunch with my other grandson who also attends Marshpoint. The invitation was to have a “Winter Fest” lunch with my grandson.
Since Thanksgiving was born out of a Christian tradition, it seemed odd to me that the word Christmas was not used in the invitation I received.
I called the principal to ask why the word Christmas was not used. I was told that the school did not want to offend anyone, as other people may be of a different religion. I guess we are not interested in offending Christians who are the vast majority.
For the life of me, I cannot see how saying the word Christmas would offend anyone except the radical atheists who fight against the God they do not believe in.
I do not want to be offensive, but maybe some who claim to be offended may decide not to offend Christians, and Christians need to stand up in this politically correct insanity we are living in.
LIONEL MARMOLEJO
Savannah
Cheers for Chief Lovett
A big hooray for Savannah/Chatham Police Chief Willie Lovett, who has the heart and guts to say people do not need assault guns.
We need more Willie Lovetts.
MIRIAM CENTER
Savannah