I agree with Richard F. Seegal, who in his letter ("Vote, contribute to counter NRA," May 3) noted that 90 percent of Americans support background checks for the purchase of guns yet the National Rifle Association continues to resist legislation to expand background checks. He suggests those of us in the 90 percent can contribute to organizations against the stance of the NRA and vote. I would like to add the following: We, the 90 percent, which includes many law-abiding gun owners, must also call the offices of our elected officials to let them know we support expanded background checks. Since the Newtown massacre, I have met with and telephoned members of Congress and their staffs to request they support measures that include expanded background checks and to make gun trafficking a federal crime with serious criminal penalties. Sadly, I have been told calls from the 10 percent outnumber the 90 percent by tenfold.
There is a new bipartisan House bill — the Public Safety and Second Amendment Rights Protection Act of 2013, H.R. 1565 — sponsored by Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., and others.
In the aftermath of Mother's Day, let's honor the mothers who have lost a child to gun violence, contact our congressional representatives and make our voices heard.
Working together, the 90 percent will make certain our interests are also represented.
Carol O'Dell
Ballston Spa