It's well beyond time for the Democratic Party to stand tall against the "rightest" of the National Rifle Association and pass federal legislation that does a better job on background checks for anyone purchasing any gun and to ban high-powered, semiautomatic assault rifles and multiple-round clips — anything solely used to hurt, maim or kill. These weapons are not used or needed to target-shoot or hunt wild game. Further, why isn't there a federal law requiring schools to install metal and weapon detectors at entry doors?
Why aren't there systems required at each school that raise alerts when a locked door is being opened, especially when it's being opened illegally? Why isn't an armed police officer mandated at each school?
These are all fair and legitimate questions that need to be addressed now.
Why is it taking so long for these things to happen? How many more innocent lives need to be taken before something is finally done?
Congress, the Senate and the president need to stand up and have some guts to do the right thing.
The Brady Law does not go far enough. Only police and the military should have access to these deadly assault weapons, not the general public.
Seemingly, the Republican Party supports whatever the NRA wants in order to garner votes and campaign donations from members of this unreasonable organization.
It's time for Democrats and independents to get serious about this dangerous and sad situation.
MICHAEL J. FUSCO JR.
Albany