Elect those who will act to limit guns

Thirty thousand Americans are killed each year by gun violence. Chicago has already surpassed 2,000 shooting victims this year. Dallas, Orlando, San Bernadino, and the list of cities touched by violence continues to grow.

Sen. Dick Durbin understands that it is currently far too easy for anyone in America to get their hands on firearms, including people who are clearly dangerous. It is time for all elected officials to do their jobs and enact gun common sense gun legislation.

Accidents, suicides and homicides are killing American citizens every day, and access to guns is a growing problem. Last week, five police officers got gunned down on the streets of Dallas, a gun-friendly city.

There were heavily armed officers, militia members with their guns slung on their shoulders, and numerous others with concealed weapons. None of those guns were used to protect anyone from the shooter. None of those guns made anyone safer.

In fact, the Dallas police said the open-carry citizens made their job more difficult.

What kind of a society do we want? Do we want to be armed and suspicious at all times? Do we want to have to walk around with our own guns?

Or can we maintain the right to protect ourselves in our home, and also the right to be in public spaces without armed citizenry?

Background checks, bans on assault weapons and armor piercing bullets, and smart gun technology are all solutions to the gun violence problem.

Congress went on recess without taking a vote on any gun legislation. Voters should have a say. Elect candidates who will say "Enough" to gun violence.

Personally, I thank Dick Durbin and other elected officials who are willing to stand up and make a difference.

Dana Gordon

Highland Park