OPINION:
We recognize that using cars without traffic rules is dangerous. We see that using certain drugs outside of medical need is dangerous.
And when we have epidemics, we take action to reduce the threat.
We have an epidemic in this country: one of deaths related to guns. Not just ordinary guns, but too often those designed to pump out bullets at a rate that cannot be for anything other than killing.
We need to do something about the epidemic — not just pray, wring our hands or say it isn’t the guns. Without rapid-fire guns, most mass shootings would not happen.
Yes, we need to provide more mental health help for those who need it. Other countries have managed to respect both their people and their people’s safety enough to keep their citizens safe. Yet America has shooting after shooting, making us the world leader in mass shootings.
The answer is not to arm more people. Having more guns puts weapons into more hands, meaning more people see guns as the way to solve problems. We have people who bring out a gun when they are angry or drunk or want to make a point or scare someone.
We need our leaders to get together and work out solutions that respects legitimate, safe gun ownership while focusing on reducing rapid-fire weapons and gun violence.
No more excuses. We must find answers by working together — now.
STAN STELTER
Bismarck, North Dakota
