LAMAR, Mo. —
I believe that the nation is at a tipping point with regard to the Sandy Hook tragedy.
With much exposure by the media and outrage by people in general, it would seem that something at last may be done about the gun violence.
I had predicted push back by the gun lobby and we saw this in the Dec. 21 address by Wayne LaPierre, executive director of the National Rifle Association.
It is really preposterous that he proposes to station armed guards at all of the 100,000 schools in this country. His idea is just an effort to deflect any legislation that may help to stop such tragedies. At a minimum, all assault rifles should be banned, and the number of rounds in any magazine be limited. There should be greater emphasis on background checks.
My opinion is that the violence on television, movies and in video games may also be causative factors in inciting these violent acts.
Finally, if our representatives and senators in this area — including Vicky Hartzler, Billy Long and Roy Blunt — refuse to be proactive on this very important issue, then they should be replaced. We, as a nation, should no longer tolerate these horrible acts.
Bob Noel
Lamar
Opinion
Your View: No tolerance
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Trish Patton, guest columnist: Downtown group needs stakeholders' support
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Our View: Earning a new badge
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Other Views: Stop farm bill gridlock
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Your View: Closing camp would be costly mistake
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