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We must end our love affair with guns

Concealed carry in Illinois — seriously? Chicago is already close to, if not at, the point of being the handgun murder capital of the U.S. Why are we wanting to put more guns on our streets and possibly into the hands of people who mean to harm others?

Please don’t patronize me by saying something stupid like “it levels the playing field.” Sure it does; more bullets flying in all directions will make me feel far more comfortable the next time I hear guns going off at the mall. And how about road rage? It’s already a problem; how do you feel about confronting a gun the next time you accidentally cut off another car?

I’m not comfortable with such a casual attitude about weapons. I don’t like the idea that a person behind me at Starbucks is “packing.” Weapons should not be treated so casually — having a weapon on your person carries a huge responsibility.

Put the issue to a referendum and after plenty of debate, let the people of Illinois make the decision for themselves. I’m not comfortable with our legislators doing so, since it is clear that the NRA has plenty of money in their coffers to buy the votes they need.

In the wake of the recent school tragedy, our country has to end its love affair with guns. That, I believe, is the only way to prevent the senseless violence that we have been subjected to now and, sadly, for so many years already.

Judy Arenas

Arlington Heights

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