Solution starts with Congress

Peter Roskam, as students ran from their Parkland, Florida, high school, did you see their faces filled with terror? Did you see them shaking with fear? Did you hear their trembling voices after a gunman killed 17 of their innocent classmates and wounded countless others? Just imagine the unfathomable pain and suffering of parents and family members dealing with the murder and maiming of their children.

This was another heartbreaking, mass shooting that will reoccur until you and your fellow Republicans act to do something about this situation. The classic lines about "thoughts and prayers" will not decrease gun violence.

Here are just a few of the well-known, common-sense legislative ideas that you and your fellow Republicans should act upon ... ban bump-stock modifying equipment, ban high-capacity magazines, make 72-hour background checks mandatory for all gun buyers including gun shows and person-to-person sales, require "smart" only fired by registered gun owners firearms for all gun sales. Sound familiar?

Yes, these recommendations alone will not entirely fix this tragic situation. Mental health, bullying, social media activity, increased security measures and other areas should all be addressed. However, implementing common-sense gun restrictions and safety controls are steps in the right direction.

I believe in the Second Amendment, but I do have a problem with the legislative and executive branches of our government, especially NRA-backed Republicans, not doing anything demonstrable about gun violence, especially mass shootings.

Peter Roskam, now is the time for you and other members of Congress to act. Please, it starts with you.

Dennis Dedmond

Glen Ellyn