Don’t stand by and let group dictate gun laws

Like you, I am tired. I am discouraged, disappointed and fearful from the violence of yet another chapter of senseless execution of innocent people in our cities and towns. In 30 years, we have had 61 episodes in which at least four people have forfeited their lives for no apparent reason.

The time for wringing of hands and gnashing of teeth over these examples is long past. Why should our citizenry be held hostage by 4.3 million members of the NRA, their sympathizers and lobbyists, who, as only about 2 percent of the population, hold sway over 300 million Americans?

We should demand that Congress and state legislatures pass legislation that affects and saves lives. I suggest the immediate ban on the sale of all assault weapons and the imposition of a 60-day period to turn in such weapons. Failure to do so would result in a $10,000 fine and two years imprisonment. You may argue that such measures are stringent. Ask those affected by the death of their loved ones.

Email your congressman or state representative until they get a clear message. It should not take someone committing a mass atrocity in the halls of Congress before they wake up.

Tim Hartsook

La Porte City