There is hope
I want to give a shout-out to Seth Richards, the Trump supporter from Lucerne, for being smarter and more caring than many of those in our government who are supposed to protect our citizens.
Just a guess, but the lack of action by Congress, and others, in passing basic, common sense gun regulations, might have something to do with their contributions (AKA bribes) from the NRA. It appears that too many of them have forgotten who they represent. I know it is difficult to run for congress without the bribes, given our current election system that has sold our country to the highest bidders, but let’s leave that for another discussion.
I want to just say that maybe there is hope for our country when the lefties and at least some of the righties can agree that no civilian should be able to purchase an AR 15 or other military-style weapon. Thank you, Seth, for speaking out.
Can we now also agree that the respected Investigator, Robert Mueller, has found clear evidence that Russia attacked our election system? Even Mr. Trump has appeared to accept the information in this indictment because he says it proves there was “no collusion.”
So why has Mr. Trump not taken steps to punish Russia for their actions? He has not yet even made a statement condemning Russia’s interference. He continues to protect Russia by refusing to impose the sanctions that were passed overwhelmingly by Congress with a veto-proof majority. It does not make him look good to most of the citizens he is supposed to serve. Are Trump supporters really okay with Russia having no consequences for their actions against our country? If not, please tell your president to do the right thing.
I believe this is an issue that all who consider themselves patriots should/could agree on as well.
Deb Fredrickson, Kelseyville
Firearms control
Regardless of the many mass shootings, sad as they are, I have to say that I feel our country has gone far beyond the possibility of what many refer to as “gun control”. With about as many firearms as there are people in the country and a lot of older ones with no records, and given the relative failure of present registration processes for prospective buyers, our country simply cannot afford “control” whether or not a majority of citizens wishes it. The problem resolves to one of responsibility of both people and states and determination of priorities with respect to available funds.
For those who have studied the early history of our country, the meanings of words and the politics of the time when the Constitution was being developed, there is no question that the second Amendment has nothing to do with firearm “ownership”, only the “bearing” (ie, carrying and wearing) of any arms. Strict “constructionists” also know that the Constitution was adopted without the second and third amendments—New Hampshire was the ninth colony to validate the Constitution and the document was passed and in effect before the amendments were added as a bribe to New York whose experience during the occupation of New York City was not a pleasant memory. Politics in action!
As an aside, I am very tired of various organizations ”rewriting” history to benefit or advantage their own interests. Examples of this are those who choose to refer to an act of outright piracy as a patriotic action (Tea party) and condemning people for doing things that were absolutely legal at the time the actions were taken (slave ownership). If one does not consider the attitudes and circumstances when the history was created, that history is meaningless. Attitudes and situations constantly evolve over time, history does not.
If we were to follow the Constitution’s intent, the problem of firearm “control”, with respect to ownership would be (wholly) a state responsibility, and any issuance of “carry” permits would be a Federal responsibility (not covered by the Constitution as a Federal issue)! I suspect that “control” would be much easier to achieve on a state-by-state basis where area attitudes and preferences are more easily translated to legislation—whether pro or con. Perhaps another approach would be to place additional responsibility on (legal) owners and have them be subject to heavy penalties for allowing their property to be stolen and/or misappropriated.
Guff Worth, Lakeport
