Letters: On abortion, gun violence and elections
Oklahoma women should move to Illinois
Presently, the state of Oklahoma suggests the most draconian laws against women in the country. Women, if you’re interested in living in a community that respects your dignity and privacy, I welcome you to consider relocating to my great state of Illinois.
—Jonny Petrocelli, Markham, Il
Will politicians ever listen to the public concerns about guns?
Many politicians seem to base their opinions on which way the wind is blowing, not on the wishes of their constituents.
When the Supreme Court decision on abortion was leaked to the press a few weeks ago, our Oklahoma governor and legislators rushed to enact one of the most stringent laws against women and abortion. Although nationwide polls disagreed, some Oklahoma politicians said it was an essential piece of legislation. They said, "Every life is important and should be saved."
They must have changed their minds after schoolchildren were gunned down in Texas. They admitted it was horrible and sent their prayers, but unfortunately, the NRA stepped in and scared them back into their holes. They now stand up for the Second Amendment and claim everyone has the right to access a military gun that killed these innocent children. Guns have priority over lives that could be saved with good sense restrictions.
Maybe our politicians should listen more and reread the Second Amendment, written when muskets were the guns used. We do not have a militia, but we do have police and sheriff's departments to handle wrongdoing. They do not round up a civilian posse when bad events happen. Therefore, should civilians be able to access military type weapons or packages that could turn a rifle into a repeater gun? Being able to shoot a room of people is not as the Second Amendment states, "being necessary to the security of a free State."
Will politicians ever listen? Will they really care as long as the NRA and pours money into their campaigns?
— Nadine Jewell, Oklahoma City
It's time to fund programs that address mental health, safety and firearm awareness
I am heartbroken over the evil that has overcome Uvalde, Texas. And I, as an Oklahoman, am outraged that our system has continued to fail us. Over the last 20 years, we’ve taught kids to hide, protect and wait for help. More must be done.
Gun-free zones are dangerous, and it is time to protect schools like we protect airports, hospitals, courthouses and banks, and we must stop threats with equal or greater force. I support the Second Amendment and believe that education is the key to gun safety, not legislation. I must be my own first responder to protect myself, my family and my community, which is why I carry a firearm.
The evil in Uvalde was not caused by a gun, it was caused by a broken system that continues to push paper, policies, and legislation versus solving the root issue. We must heal the pain in our communities, strengthen families, and improve economic opportunities. Most importantly, it is TIME to fund meaningful programs that address mental health, safety, and firearm awareness and training.
— Patricia Wisehart, state director, DC Project
Don’t give up on hope; this mess is fixable
News today seems to be either highlighting actions of fear, death and hate and just plain old incompetence. My question is why is it, and what is the real cause?
Is it possible that when we react to the actions and the rhetoric, we stop our thinking process of determining, what deep down, might be the real cause?
If at this time, we really start being inquisitive, we will win. If we stay involved in the symptoms of what is happening in our world, we moan and groan, we cry, and we continue to lose.
So now what? We start digging for answers. This will lead you to determining truth, listening then going and verifying, When we stop believing everything we hear, start being skeptical of so-called leaders.
We will see that the conversations approving of fear, hate and violence are not acceptable, and the ones based on kindness, respect and love are ones we will turn to for information. But no matter what, be skeptical, but listen always kindly.
The incompetence in our political leadership can be addressed, but only with changes allowed in the First Amendment. The strong two-party system has failed Oklahomans, as well as other states. Already states and cities, such as Alaska and NYC, have changed to Rank Choice Voting with positive results.
Don’t give up on hope; this mess is fixable, it really is.
— Cecil Sterne, Cleveland
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Letters to the editor for June 12, 2022, edition of The Oklahoman
