“Leader of the free world.” Hah!
“Laughing stock” is a better term for America. In the eyes of the world we’ve earned it.
Listen to the mocking, cynical, derisive laughter here and abroad. It drowns out our compassionate sobs.
How can we ask the world to follow our lead when we cannot deal with our domestic gun violence carnage?
It is time to overreact. Start now with:
■Registering all firearms.
■Legislating product liability for firearms manufacturers.
■Mandating all gun owners to participate in annual safety and civility training as members of well-regulated state militias — or to surrender their weapons.
■Adding your own gun control ideas. You’ve surely got them.
We are too far beyond any point of compromise.
Later, perhaps, we can ease up and fine-tune.
We need decisive action now.
Jim Hughes
Lebanon
Like so many of our fellow citizens, I have read of the horrors of the Uvalde, Texas, school shooting.
And like many of my fellow citizens, I would like to see laws regarding universal background checks for firearms, as well as the banning of semiautomatic weaponry.
However, I also know that this is easier said than done. One reason for this is that even if the House of Representatives passes a law regarding these steps, the Republicans in the Senate can filibuster, and effectively block debate, much less a vote, on any measure.
I am aware that even though it has the power to, Democratic leadership has been loath to scrap the filibuster through “the nuclear option.” One reason is that this could come back to bite the party later, because when the Republicans are in charge, they could use it to their advantage. I am also aware that there are at least two Democratic senators who oppose it.
If this isn’t the time to try to scrap the filibuster, so that we can at least talk about changes in the law that would save the lives of citizens of our country — including our smallest citizens — I don’t know when would be.
It is time for President Joe Biden and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to lead the fight for this change. At the very least, it would require senators who are against the change to go on record saying that they refuse to allow even a debate that could lead to changes that would save the lives of their fellow Americans.
To quote the first century Jewish sage Hillel: “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?”
Now is the time.
Barry Wenig
Lebanon
Who are kids who kill?
Isolated, perhaps? Marginal? Brooding? Alone? Angry? Silent?
How prior to disaster might they be dealt with?
What about: meetings with a counselor, a teacher? A peer group?
What about: visible, constructive responsibility … for a tidy classroom, for small animals? For any needed job well done?
And: visibility. A chance to tell his or her story in a classroom discussion.
Finally: removal of murderous weapons from easy access by everyone, especially children.
Robert Belenky
Hanover
It is no secret that Mr. Kenyon has bitterness and contempt when it comes to the Hanover Food Cooperative and its leadership. His previous articles do nothing to support the wonderful community-sponsored events and support that the Co-op has achieved over the years. He seems to thrive on inaccurate, irrelevant and inappropriate garbage to divert people’s thoughts into his own personal direction and not that of the truth.
The May 22 article in question (“Discrimination in store?”) is a perfect example. He attempts to use his usual passive aggressive voice to distort and muddle the claim in an attempt to judge the Co-op.
First, Mr. Hall has filed a claim to the state regarding discrimination. That is his right to do, and it does not in any way automatically prove that the Hanover Co-op is negligent or guilty of any charges.
Second, Kenyon points out numerous occurrences in Mr. Hall’s early life that were life-changing. What is the relevance of this to his claim against the Co-op? Kenyon’s tactics to confuse and make all of us the jury in this crazy claim are inexcusable.
Third, Mr. Hall bases his qualification for general manager on his store manager position and experience in store management. The managing of the Hanover Co-op requires more than simply dealing with an individual store operation. A degree in cooperative management is required. If being a store manager were a requirement, the last three general managers would not have been hired. Regarding the “letter of reference” by Mr. Fox, I am sure he wrote letters of recommendation for all three internal candidates.
Fourth, why does Kenyon bring up the issues from 2014 in this article? Again, his abhorrence for the Co-op is obvious. This is a National Enquirer tactic.
Lastly, the process for hiring a new general manager is long and tedious. It took months and involved a diverse board of directors and an outside recruiting company. The Hanover Consumer Cooperative Society is one of the most treasured and diverse institutions in the Upper Valley.
Shame on you, Jim Kenyon and Mr. Hall, for even thinking that the Co-op is racist.
Thomas Guillette
Canaan
Enjoying life? Living large? Having the time of your life? Don’t.
That person who walked into the grocery store behind you may not be looking for a head of lettuce. Going to schul Saturday? Don’t get too engrossed in what the rabbi is saying. Keep an ear out for someone entering late. Don’t buy that nifty new pair of jeans for the concert; consider a bulletproof vest instead. Bible study Thursday? You may want to lock the door before the lesson begins. Shopping in the mall? Please keep track of the nearest exit and restrooms with heavy doors.
If you are in a theater and hear “pop! pop! pop!” it may be coming from the back row, not the speakers. When you dropped your child off at school, did you notice that kid in the long black coat? Just a fashion statement? Maybe.
Mundane, everyday life is not what it used to be. We as a nation have changed. People who say this is not who we are have it wrong. This is exactly who we are.
Please don’t repeat the bromide that the only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun. The security guard in Buffalo was an ex-police officer with a gun; the police in Uvalde waited nearly an hour before engaging with the shooter inside.
Please don’t offer your tired thoughts and prayers to the survivors. They won’t help the pain, the anguish.
If you are not completely numb to the continued carnage and want to do something useful, go to the polls in November and while you are voting for every Democrat on the ballot, remember that Republicans in Washington, Republican governors and Republican-controlled state legislatures routinely pass permissive gun laws and refuse to even consider any of the reasonable gun control measures backed by the majority of Americans. Ask them why 18-year-old children should be allowed to purchase weapons designed for war. Ask them how much the NRA contributes to their campaigns. Ask them how they sleep at night knowing how their policies contribute to this continuing national disgrace.
Ask them to explain how they would feel if their third grader didn’t come home from school.
Lloyd Bunten
Canaan