Let me begin by saying that I am not the author of the following, simply the reporter of what I believe to be a very serious problem that scares our nation. Kris Brown, the president of BRADY Against Gun Violence, is the author. He states: “Eight children, all under the age of 12, were killed in a domestic shooting (Sunday, April 19) in Shreveport, Louisiana. Three other people are being treated for life-threatening injuries. This heinous crime is the worst mass shooting our country has witnessed in two years, and we cannot look away.
“Gun laws could have saved these children, and we cannot let another uniquely American tragedy occur while lawmakers stand idly by. As we mourn the loss of these children, demand action from Congress to stop the violence.”
Yet we do look away, time and time again. Gun advocates are quick to say that “guns don’t kill people; people kill people.” They point out that the Second Amendment was made law Dec. 15, 1791! 1791! Yes, it was. They were then legally allowed to carry and use their trusty flintlock rifles to defend themselves and hunt for game, as well as to keep their homesteads safe.
Likewise, if they chose, they could also use their trusty “musket,” should that be their weapon of choice.
The Second Amendment was created for specific reasons that existed in 1791. It legalized firearms for those reasons. We live in 2026. Those reasons do not exist anymore. As I have said in the past, most civilized countries have taken steps to limit the availability and use of weapons. Why hasn’t the United States? Sadly, it usually comes down to the “almighty dollar” in one form or another. For what it’s worth.
Peter Graffagnino
Bridgeville
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
