Be realistic about gun violence

Tom Stanfa of Batavia wrote a piece on politicians and gun control published on April 9. He wonders why politicians are so focused on gun control instead of, say, the many more deaths and injuries from auto-related accidents and he says to blame guns for the deaths is like blaming auto manufacturers for vehicular deaths and injuries.

He goes on to say the politicians need to be reminded that they work to prevent a return to a monarchy, which is why way back in the founding days of our country, we had a militia. This led to the Second Amendment or the right to bear arms.

To begin with, deaths and injuries from vehicular accidents are just that, accidents. The repeated mass shootings in this country are not accidents. They result from deranged people getting a weapon, often an assault style rifle with a large-capacity clip with intention to commit murder. One does not drive with the intention of committing mass murder.

As for the prevention of a return to a monarchy, I ask what country could that be? Will Great Britain invade again or will it be Canada or Mexico? Does anyone really think private possession of firearms will prevent the USA from being overthrown and our system of government changing to a monarchy from a democracy? Really? Tell me then why so many countries in Europe with a historical tradition of monarchical rule who have much stricter gun control laws still exist as democracies?

It's way past time to realize that the Second Amendment was established for a particular era relative to a particular threat to the security of a fledgling nation and has no bearing at all today. Until we finally realize change is needed expect more mass shootings.

Lawrence R Kopp

Schaumburg.