We need to be able to discuss access to weapons

If any parent or grandparent thinks that a mass shooting at their local school will never happen, they're living in a false reality.

Mass shootings at school have moved into a different realm, parents are now being indicted on a charge of aiding and abetting the shooter. I've read that since the mass killing at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, three and a half years ago, 150,000 Americans have been victims of gun violence. We all respond with shock and sadness; and that's about all we can do.

The reality is this will not change until we, as a society, have a very frank discussion as to what kind of world we want for ourselves and our children.

Part of that discussion has to be whether we still accept the idea that may have had some validity in the 18th century, a well-regulated militia, is still relevant in 21st century America.

Repealing the Second Amendment is the only way our society can start that conversation and make real change. Repealing does not necessarily mean all guns will be outlawed. But what it does mean is that we can have that conversation as to who is allowed to own a gun, what type of gun they are allowed to own, and who can legally sell guns. Responsible gun owners should not feel threatened by society raising the bar for legal gun ownership. Truth be told, they should feel safer, like the rest of us.

It's beyond time for the majority of our citizens to stop allowing a vocal minority to hide behind a flaw in our Constitution. The Second Amendment is a mistake and needs to be repealed. We cannot wait another day, too many lives depend on our actions.

Phil Heil

Huntley