Letter: Don't let politicians hide behind amendment

In light of the recent tragedy, or should we call it what it was, the slaughter of innocent men, women and children, in Highland Park, it's time to call out those who justify allowing military weapons in the hands of 18-year-olds by hiding behind the Second Amendment right to bear arms.

This tragedy could have easily happened in Naperville, Downers Grove, Warrenville or any other local community.

I am also tired of interviewers who give mindless party-line politicians a pass on answering questions as to why they do not support meaningful gun control. It's time for us and interviewers alike to call baloney when politicians either evade their questions or hide behind the Second Amendment right to bear arms. We all have a superseding right to life, liberty & the pursuit of happiness.

I am a gun owner and do not want the right to own a gun taken away, but I do believe in reasonable gun control. The argument that individuals need these military grade weapons to control pesty rodents or other animals is lame. If you are that bad at removing these animals with something less lethal, then perhaps you need something bigger in your arsenal - like a bazooka.

So let's stop letting politicians off the hook with their cookie cutter responses to these types of situations and start calling baloney. This also goes for the reporters who interview these politicians following these heartbreaking events.

Don't settle. The option for not holding politicians accountable is too horrible to think about.

Angelo Tomasello

Naperville