Ernst should use NRA money on solutions

Sen. Joni Ernst feels the murder of 17 in a Florida school stems from a mental health problem, not a gun safety issue. She stated, 'This is not going to be an issue the federal government solves by sending a few bucks to a community.” She is right but it also has not been solved by the $3.1 million donated to her by the National Rifle Association. We must address the severe disorganization and underfunding of mental health care in the United States. But we must also ask why a 18-year-old could legally own a military assault weapon (AR-15). We must ask why there was no limit on the amount of ammunition he could purchase. We should ask why Iowa is loosening gun laws at this moment in time.

We have several militias - Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, police and sheriffs. We do not need nor can we bear any longer a self-appointed militia of heavily armed citizens, promoted by the NRA and enabled by our leaders. Put your $3.1 million donation to good use in studying, promoting and legislating gun safety, Sen. Ernst.

Mary Kemen

Cedar Rapids