Public safety matters more than campaign contributions
It should now be abundantly clear that Americans can no longer live without fear of losing their lives at any given moment.
Whether at a workplace, theater, shopping area, school, college, or even in a kindergarten classroom or place of worship, our lives are at risk from those who do not value human life and can easily obtain a deadly handgun. Approximately 89 gun deaths occur every day in this country; this is an unconscionable statistic and does not reflect the values of a civilized society. The rights of gun enthusiasts should not supersede the inalienable right of citizens to “the preservation of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” as ensured by the Declaration of Independence.
Ideally, our legislators would prioritize the safety of their constituents above their need for campaign contributions, and would stand firm against the gun lobby, which generously funds their political campaigns in exchange for their votes. However, if our legislators cannot, or will not, resolve to enact sensible laws directed at stemming the proliferation of guns, then this issue should be addressed by referendum so that citizens may have their voices heard directly.
Marti Nicely, Fresno
This story was originally published October 3, 2015 at 7:52 AM with the headline "Public safety matters more than campaign contributions."