Reader begs state’s two senators to act on languishing bills after Uvalde massacre
When?
Fact. Two teachers killed.
Fact. Nineteen children slaughtered and their bodies ripped into bits and pieces.
Fact. The shooter was 18 years old and had purchased military weapons and armor for his birthday.
Fact. Words matter.
Week after week in our nation people are murdered going about their daily lives because people can buy, sell, carry, and use military weapons with no background checks; no license; no training; no permit.
Words reinforce that there is something American and manly about brandishing and using these weapons to slaughter people any time, anywhere. Right now, the backbone of our society is being replaced with guns and military weapons. They are not the same.
When are Sen. Graham and Sen. Scott going to say this is wrong? When are they going to say this is not American? When are they going to say this is not brave and honorable? When are they going to say this is not the cost of freedom?
When are they going to support the common sense gun legislation that is languishing in the Senate?
Betty Rankin, Catawba
Support Maness
The Republican Party has certified six candidates to run for state superintendent of education. Yet at least two of those candidates do not meet the qualifications set out in state law [SC Code 59-3-10] which requires a master’s degree.
The candidates who didn’t meet this criterion have pledged to get their degrees. How can this happen? Most educators and other professionals work on their advanced degrees online, or by attending classes in the afternoons, evenings, and summers, sacrificing time, energy, and money.
Also, neither of these candidates has provided evidence of any experience as a teacher or administrator in the public schools.
How could the Republican Party certify candidates who clearly do not meet the criteria at the time of their filings.
I believe Kathy Maness is the best qualified candidate. Because of her teaching experience, her credentials, her leadership of the largest professional association for educators in the state, and her service as a 17-year member of Lexington Town Council, she is the best candidate for state superintendent of education.
Elizabeth Gressette, Cayce
Make Congress look
I have concluded, and been convinced since the Sandy Hook shooting, that getting permission from the families for public display of the crime scene images of the deceased victims is necessary to move this country to rise up and demand action of our elected officials. As horrific as this would be, I believe it is necessary.
Every member of Congress should be required to acknowledge in writing that they have viewed the images and then disclose their position on legislation to enact reasonable gun regulation reforms (red flag laws, ban on assault style weapons, requirement to register private sales, universal background checks and 10-day waiting period, ban on sales of body armor to non-law enforcement personnel).
It’s the pro-life thing to do.
Frank Caggiano, Columbia
Unexpected connections
I recently had a surreal experience as an African-American male. I was contacted by a 76-year-old white woman through Ancestry DNA. We are DNA cousins.
I have always known of European ancestry through several branches of my family tree, but I have never thought about it. My DNA cousin is the 2x great-granddaughter of a white slave master. I am his 3x DNA great-grandson.
Our conversation was amiable. She talked of meeting. Although I am not against it, I continue to process our interaction. She shared that she had never thought about being “related” to an African-American. Per testing she is 100 percent of European heritage. I have 33 percent European DNA.
I think these interactions are necessary if we ever hope to begin to heal from America’s greatest sin. Advancements in DNA testing revealed our connection.
As Americans we continue to be works in progress. Our worldviews continue to be challenged and potentially changed. I believe our Higher Power is pleased. That’s what matters most.
Robert M. Copeland, Rock Hill
