Tired of having gun concerns dismissed

It was with a mixture of amusement and anger that I read the letter from a reader who decided he needed to explain that there's a difference between an automatic and semi-automatic weapon. He was responding to a female reader whose letter to the editor expressed her concern about the latest school shooting and the widespread use of the AR-15 in such shootings. He took great care to criticize not only the woman's use of gun terminology and knowledge of gun laws, but he also ridiculed her for being one of many "who don't know what they're talking about"; and he said the Daily Herald should not have printed a letter with so much incorrect information.

I am amused because the writer - like many other gun fanatics - cannot defend his position, so he resorts to arguing about the technical differences between an automatic and semi-automatic weapon. I am angered because - like the more than 70 percent of Americans who want sensible gun laws - I am tired of having my concerns dismissed.

Policy is not changed or challenged by individuals who think they need to stockpile weapons of war in case the government comes after them, care more about their guns than our children and have nothing better to say than to make a failed attempt to make concerned citizens look ignorant. Automatic, semiautomatic, whatever. They are weapons of war that have no place in a civilized society; and as mothers, we will not be distracted by your gunsplaining.

Mary Kay Baldino

Arlington Heights