Dear editor,
There seems to be some misunderstanding about the meaning of the words used in the Second Amendment. Mr. Lopez is correct that rights cannot be taken away, a birthright. Being regulated has several meanings, the most common at the time of the writing of the Bill of Rights has the meaning of being in good operating condition, an example is the clock on my wall, it’s well-regulated to keep proper time. The militia consists of the organized militia, e.g., a state militia, and the unorganized militia, i.e., the whole of the people. Please explain how further regulation of the sale of firearms would stop those who intend to break even greater laws, against murder, for example? There are between 20,000- and 30,000-gun laws on the books, federal, state and local. It seems those have failed to stop the perpetrators of atrocity. Mr. Lopez seems to think that increasing the age to purchase a firearm might help. Since I purchased my first rifle, a Remington 22 rimfire, at the age of seven I haven’t shot anyone with it, still have it, too. The age of the murderer isn’t relevant, his/her attitude and purpose are. A criminal in Wisconsin injured over 60 and killed many with an SUV. Where are the calls to restrict cars and trucks? Focusing on the tool instead of root causes will only allow the problem to continue. Exposing those who announce their evil intent and dealing with them in a proper, consistent with their rights, manner is where we should direct our efforts. We should not be focusing on restricting the vast majority who are not the problem. David W. Loeffler Grants, NM