We will be responsible

It will happen again! Newtown will happen again, possibly closer to home. When it does, we, the people, will be responsible for not having done the right thing, again.

Already the horrible slaughter of innocent people seems forgotten, trivialized, by those fearful of losing their guns. The NRA opposes banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, fearing loss of other gun rights. Common sense would rid us of these evil, people-killer weapons. That alone would not be enough, but would immediately reduce the chance of such mass killings reoccurring. Yes, we may still have occasional mass killings, but they will no longer be facilitated by our shameful inaction to end the availability of these weapons.

Outlaws were not the perpetrators at Columbine High or in Aurora, Colo. Mentally disturbed persons can purchase any available weapon. If these people-killer weapons were not available anywhere, how would we not all be safer?

The NRA proposes our schools become armored fortresses, and cross-fire killings would be "collateral damage." This environment is not conducive to education. What if the bad guys switch to alternate theaters of war — parades, park picnics, malls? Will we need armed guards on each street corner?

The Second Amendment will not suffer from lack of these evil people-killing weapons. Educate your congressperson.

J.P. CANABOU

Modesto