Letters to the editor Sept. 14

Time to stiffen

gun control laws

Our Founding Fathers believed that an armed citizenry would be important to the maintenance of our free society, and wrote the Second Amendment into our constitution soon after our country began. Here is what they said.

"A well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed" (the Second Amendment as ratified by the states).

Does any rational person imagine our forebearers intended that we arm the village idiot?

Last Tuesday, a citizen who had been committed to an institution for mental illness was in possession of not one, but three firearms, including an AK-47 assault rifle. He went to the local IHOP and shot 11 people. Five of them are dead at this writing, including the shooter.

This is hardly the example of a well-regulated militia.

It is time that advocates of gun rights read the first part of the Second Amendment and take up the cause of gun responsibility. For too long, these NRA-ers have fought against the laws, regulations and enforcement procedures that should have prevented Tuesday's tragic shootings. Their selfish, cowardly and treasonous disregard for the entirety of what the Second Amendment says is a disgrace to them and an ugly blot on the character of America.

It's time to regulate our citizen militia so Tuesdays like this past one don't happen again.

Randy Carlson

Carson City

After tragedy, time for Carson to pull together

I am still in shock over the events of Sept. 6. Many of us drive right by that corner, commuting to work or running errands on a daily basis. I have been in IHOP many times, and keep picturing what it would be like to have been there when this senseless act was taking place.

From all the reports we have heard of what happened inside, I cannot imagine this business being able to open its doors again. I would hope that a memorial area could take its place, maybe a park with four fountains, symbolizing the four wonderful people whom Carson City has lost.

I hope that the powers that be will take suggestions from the citizens of this community, who all lost a piece of themselves Tuesday morning. Pray for their families, and the families of the patrons and IHOP employees who are enduring tremendous pain in the process.

I would also like to say that the owner of Locals BBQ and his son have a long road ahead of them in dealing with the events that took place at their restaurant. We need to pull together and support their efforts to rebuild. I know I will be there, as many Carson City people will as well.

Cathy Freitas

Carson City

Thank you for

unbiased reporting during shooting

I am writing to express my sorrow for the victims of the IHOP rampage. I hope their families and relations can find peace and forgiveness in this tragic time.

I would also like to commend the team of people who started and kept the blog going while this was unfolding. I have children and grandchildren living close by. I couldn't get any information from other sources.

It was comforting to know that these individuals were staying on top of the situation as it unfolded and were keeping people reigned in by shunting rumors and sticking with the facts.

I believe a lot of people feel the same.

Thanks for doing an unbiased job. Keep up the great work.

Stephan King

San Jose, Calif.ꆱ