I have been a deer hunter for almost 60 years and am an advocate for gun control. Neither I nor my hunting friends see any reason why assault-type semiautomatic weapons and high capacity magazines should be legal. We recognize that reducing gun violence is a multifaceted issue. Much needs to be done in the areas of mental health, gun sales including registration and background checks, violent video games and public school safety.
The National Rifle Association proposal to have an armed guard in every school has limited merits. However, I doubt that a guard armed with a pistol could stop a killer or killers who have high capacity semi-automatic weapons and may be wearing bulletproof vests. Further, if mayhem ensues with children screaming and running wildly about, I question the shooting accuracy of an excited armed guard.
No single factor contributing to gun violence holds the key to resolving the problem. But working on all of them together will greatly reduce the chances of having another Columbine or Newtown massacre.
CHARLES RIELLY
Altamont