Editor, Gazette-Journal:

Once again, the incidence of murderous shootings by deranged individuals has been met with enculturated, knee-jerk reactions by the left. An inanimate object now bears the blame for the senseless killings, rather than the deranged persons responsible.

Banning firearms in response is not dissimilar to banning the automobile for traffic fatalities. Perhaps we should ban fire when a pyromaniac burns homes and buildings, or blame water when a person is drowned?

When our society comes to the realization that we have a serious mental health issue, it will be then and only then that true cause-and-effect can be effectively countered and dealt with.

The term and intent, Gun Free Zone, defies rational thought, as if by banning any inanimate object would provide a zone of safety. Would banning a match prevent the improper use of fire? A match in the hands of a child or mentally defective poses a danger. Do we permit our children to play with matches? Would a sudden rush to pyromania prompt the banning of fire or matches? Where small children are concerned, are we not mindful when they are around water? When a child is lost due to drowning, do we then ban water or the use of rivers, lakes or ponds?

With an estimated 300 million firearms in existence within this country, can banning the use of firearms be realistically considered as an act to prevent senseless killings? A firearm in the hands of a citizen intent upon preventing a senseless act of violence is a strong deterrent. After all, the police and officers of the law do carry guns. A responsible citizen is lawfully authorized to possess and carry a concealed firearm. Fortunately, some within our society have accurately asserted the right of a citizen to carry a firearm for the purpose of self-defense. Unfortunately, many on the left appear to be unmindfully distraught at this acknowledged legal right and seek to ban that very right.

It is time for those on the left to come to grips with reality. Firearms, like matches, automobiles, fire and water, in the hands of responsible citizens are beneficial. It is the deranged individual that presents the problem. It is time to focus upon that aspect of the problem.

Andrew Maggard

Port Haywood, Va.