The media is also partly to blame. They rarely cover stories where a firearm saved someone’s life. It is estimated that 2.5 million crimes are prevented because the victim to-be had a firearm.
Also, it is common for a home invasion to involve more than one “bad guy.” With the ban in New York that only allows eight-round magazines, it makes self-defense more difficult. Under stress, it is incredibly difficult to hold and shoot a firearm accurately enough to engage a criminal successfully; with only eight rounds, it becomes almost impossible if there is more than one target.
It bothers me that the men and women who are voting for these (measures) are politicians who are living in secure neighborhoods where the crime rate is much lower than a poorer neighborhood in downtown Chicago. The chance of a politician needing to defend himself is very unlikely. However, in a poor neighborhood, a family is almost always under the threat of crime.
Disarming our nation will not stop crime; instead, all the people who own firearms will turn them in. The criminals, however, will not turn them in, and before you know it, the U.S. will have illegal gun smuggling going on, which will mean only “bad guys” get the weapons.
Jobs will also be affected by banning firearms nationwide. Millions of Americans have jobs making and repairing firearms, and producing ammunition, magazines, attachments and cleaning supplies. There are also many men and women who compete in competitions, which is how they make their living and support their families. Shooting is also a hobby; there are millions of families in America that love to go shooting.
The best solution, in my mind, to solve the gun control debate is this: Teach all kids how to shoot. By teaching kids at a young age about the safety and fun of shooting, kids would be less likely to misuse a firearm. CHRISTOPHER HARMAN, BEAVERCREEK
Boycott Olympics to pressure Putin
We know that Russian President Vladimir Putin has invested a lot of money and hype into hosting the international Olympic games this winter. Perhaps we should suggest that unless he gets the poison gas out of Syria, we and those countries who agree that Syria must give up its poison gas supplies will not go to Russia for the games he wants to host.
Although such action would hurt many deserving athletes, many of them might want to relinquish their chances for medals — to convince Syria and Russia to destroy the poison gas supply and to force Putin to fulfill his promise to do so.
To boycott the Olympics will not require military force but will allow those countries and athletes who agree with our desire to rid Syria of the poison gas, and such action would deny financial gain, prestige and world acclaim to Putin and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. RON CHRISTOPHER, WASHINGTON TWP.
Speak Up
The Sept. 24 editorial cartoon jabbing President Obama unintentionally made an ironic counterpoint: These days, government leaders in Iran, North Korea and Syria seem to more willing to "negotiate" than the ever-more extreme leaders of America's own Republican Party.
What Pope Francis's position is on abortion and gay rights is trumped by God's position. His Word clearly states that such practices are sinful and absolutely wrong, and have always been and will always be wrong. He calls such things an abomination and He does not change His mind. The pope and all others should seriously consider God's position before telling others not to pay so much attention to these things. God pays attention.
As one who struggles to be a part of the church community, I admire the pope for speaking out on issues that I think are important to followers of Jesus Christ. It is disheartening to listen to what is coming out of many pulpits. To me, this is why the church is shrinking. Our lives need to be a pattern of love for all mankind. We need to share, rather than denigrate those who do not think the way we do. God is about love and we should all remember that.
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