Letter to the editor: It's guns, and we must fix the problem

Well over 100 mass shootings so far in 2023. Watching the aftermath brings tears to most of us, whether it happened in a church, at a concert or in a classroom of 6-year-olds. Can you even imagine? Yet nothing changes legislatively. These horrific tragedies may not have affected us all, but with the mass shootings increasing, they will.

People need to make it clear that it’s guns, and the politicians who cave in to pro-gun lobbies. I hear too often that the laws are already strong enough, or my favorite, it’s mental illness. Does anyone really believe diagnosing mental illness is easy? Does anyone believe the death penalty is a deterrent for mass shooters? It’s guns.

More and more people understand banning weapons of war and high magazines must, and will, happen. The question is, how many more adults and children will die. I understand dead is dead when shot by a gun. But these high-powered weapons kill with brutal efficiency. Pictures are not shown after these attacks, as they are so gruesome that individuals are unrecognizable. Think about that. I’m thinking about 6-year-olds.

My hope, sooner than later, is that voters become one-issue voters, gun safety; whatever it takes. Fix the problem that appears to be exclusive to America. Vote against politicians who won’t realistically stop gun violence.

Frank Flori

Hempfield