The Aurora tragedy points up the need for sensible gun control in this country. How many more Columbines, Virginia Techs, Trayvon Martins, Gabby Giffords must we have before the problem is attacked sensibly? All the prayers, reflections and concern for the victims and their families do not solve the problem. Common sense will.

It is time for the die-hard gun advocate to fully understand that their concern for their personal right to bear arms is based on a misguided interpretation of the constitutional provision for the establishment of a militia. In 1789, a musket was the standard weapon used to protect people. That weapon fired one shot at a time, and then required reloading. Hardly a speed demon!

Further, the Colonial-time population was miniscule compared with today. Is it not time to put to rest the romantic idea that possessing weapons because of the 1789 era is no longer appropriate? The Model T Ford was a wonderful thing in the early 20th century. Would we want to drive one on today’s superhighways? Doubtful. Same goes for the musket. So why do so many gun lovers translate the Colonial era idea for a militia to their “rights” for powerful weapons today?

It is time for all politicians, whatever their political persuasion, to put aside their dependence on the money the gun lobby provides and take the required action to make the population safer. Will this happen? Probably not unless the public lets those in Washington know that enough is enough! The National Rifle Association and its loyal, often misguided followers need to be silenced, and its money spent on keeping people alive. The use of guns for sport is one thing. The possession of assault weapons should not be allowed for the general population and must be addressed.

Gladys E. Graham

Watertown

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