The article "Hundreds want gun show canceled," Dec. 27, discusses a short-sighted and misguided attempt to respond to a tragedy. Stopping legal and background-checked gun buyers and sellers from doing business will not change the level of violence in this country.
A mentally ill man killing his mother and stealing her guns will not be stopped by shutting down gun shows. The real issue and correct solution is identifying and helping the mentally ill and angry people who no longer value their lives or the lives of others. This issue is longer and harder to accomplish and will not be solved by banning certain weapons or passing a law.
Until we all get involved to find a way to change the factors that are causing these people to see death and destruction as the best way out, the violence will continue.
TOM MURPHY
Saratoga Springs