It is my notion that the right to bear arms is very similar to the right to smoke; they both have a cancerous effect that contributes to the decay in modern society. We as a society can continue to ignore and look the other way with temporary fixes that give the appearance of seriousness. However, the reality is that there are too many guns in the U.S.; and our too many guns are being turned on us.

I believe all the suggested legislation on the table as of now might make it difficult to sell certain weapons. Yet, it does not address the ability to steal weapons and really determine what type of individual will snap and commit violence. In my opinion, unless the Second Amendment is re-defined for the modern times, all legislative attempts to reduce violence may be futile.

Alfred Waddell

West Dennis, Mass.