Letter to the editor: Ban assault weapons, pass stricter gun laws

Assault by definition is the act of inflicting physical harm or unwanted physical contact upon a person. So what is the reasoning in owning an assault weapon?

A person who says it is for hunting large game such as deer knows full well that type of armament would obliterate the kill. Is it to feel powerful? Probably.

So why not do the courageous thing and enlist in the Army, Marines or safety forces? The AK weapon used in the horrific mass killings are weapons of war. There is no personal need for owning one of these weapons. Standing behind the Second Amendment can’t bring back the victims of Buffalo or Texas.

I am afraid for our country. We have so many people spewing untruths, conspiracy theories and propaganda. Yes, I know about free speech, but these dangerous ideas spur hate and divisiveness, which ultimately lead to lethal actions.

When an 18-year-old can legally purchase one of these weapons, we can’t just shake our heads and pray it doesn’t happen again. It is time our politicians act on the people’s demands — that assault weapons be banned, that stricter gun laws be enacted. It can be done.

It has been done here, but the gun lobby has deep pockets, and those politicians benefiting from that wealth can’t seem to separate themselves from money, power and knowing the difference between right and wrong.

As citizens and voters, we must stand up and be heard. Speak up. Pay attention to which politician is publicly saying he/she will stand up for our safety and the safety of our children by working to ban assault weapons and strengthen our gun laws and then vote for those who will actually do something to prevent these senseless horrific mass shootings. God help us!

Joann Smith, Canton

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Letter to the editor: Ban assault weapons, pass stricter gun laws