A few years ago, my dear friend was shot and killed. I still feel the pain of that loss as gun violence ravages our communities. This ongoing carnage has raised concerns at community action group Voice of Westmoreland. We cannot stand by while our loved ones are gunned down in these senseless and preventable tragedies.

Bold action is necessary to address our nation’s epidemic of gun violence. This means a ban on military-grade assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. We need to limit gun purchases to those who have passed background checks and are at least 21 years of age or purchased within a family that has adults (21 years or older) who have passed background checks.

We need to institute a licensing process that teaches gun safety and reminds users of the danger of improper storage of firearms. This can be patterned after driver’s licensing.

Above all, concerned citizens must use the power of our votes to elect officials who will work to attack the causes of gun violence with respect to hunters and those who practice safe gun usage. These reforms will come too late for my friend, but together we will save lives.

Rev. Ron Wanless

Ligonier

The writer is a member of Voice of Westmoreland.

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