To the editor:
In response to a couple of recent letters to the editor: Gun violence in America is not a black people problem. Most of the high-profile shootings that I recall were perpetrated by white folks. Even if what you said is true, it’s not black people shooting black people, it’s Americans shooting Americans, and it’s largely environmental. We should let the CDC do its job and let the research speak for itself.
The idea that white gun owners are more responsible seems misleading to me. I’ve lived in Hancock County a long time, and reckless gun behavior is a common occurrence. Our neighbors use their lawn as a rifle range with no backstop, knowing that bullets can travel miles. I’ve seen unsupervised kids running through the woods shooting pistols and gun-toting trespassers. Someone nearby has a large-bore, window-rattling weapon.
It may not qualify as gun violence, but I wouldn’t call it responsible or considerate. How would you enjoy a high-powered car stereo parked next to your house every weekend? County residents have no regulations to protect them from noise or stray bullets, and some people take advantage of that. It’s not anti-gun, it’s about decency and respect. We pay taxes too, and we should have rights.
In regard to the other letter, climate scientists are not maliciously trying to control us. Climate change is plausible when you consider all the other human-related environmental damages over the years. America needs to balance economic and environmental policies, not dismiss good research. Even if the science is wrong, we could all benefit from cleaner air… and quieter, safer neighborhoods.
Cynthia Westbrook
Greenfield
