Shootings show need for gun reforms

Wow! Two mass shootings in two weeks, one with a military-style weapon at a Jewish temple in Pittsburgh, the other with a Glock and a quick reload extension at a bar in Thousand Oaks, Calif., which was having a country music night.

We need better laws! No one should have a military-style rifle in civilian settings. No one should be able to get a quick reloading extension for a Glock. The veteran in this case killed himself with the gun after killing many others.

Most gun deaths in Iowa are suicides, many by veterans. What a set of tragedies just before Veterans Day.

There are many fronts to work on, some statewide, others national.

With the recent election behind us, we need to watch out for attempts to change Iowa's constitution to include a second amendment - unnecessary as we already have one nationally. We certainly don't need 'strict scrutiny” language, which would prioritize the right to have guns over the freedoms of speech and religion.

Bravo to the physicians who are speaking out for better gun regulation as they are confronted with the often untreatable wounds guns, especially high-powered guns, can cause.

Jeremy Brigham

Former executive director

Iowans for Gun Safety

Cedar Rapids