To the editor: In addition to the unspeakable tragedy in Kansas City (a mass shooting, something we've all become all too familiar with), another massacre was prevented this week when a student at an Ontario high school alerted authorities that a fellow student could be planning a mass shooting.
Police arrested the student, who had threatened violence against the school. Ontario's police chief praised the student and repeated the mantra: “You see something, say something.”
Well, most Americans with compassion and common sense have seen and said something about assault weapons for decades. Instead of listening to the people, our leaders have paved the way far enough that our children are expected to save their own lives by speaking up.
What an incredibly stupid approach. Instead of an outright ban on these killing machines, the country opts to remove the weapons, one by one, when someone sees something and says something.
Will the next school uniforms be full armor?
Rod Lawrence, Los Angeles
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To the editor: Regarding the Kansas City shooting, can we elect leaders who will do something about gun violence?
No celebration, parade or any other public gathering is safe anymore. However, all we hear is that Russia and China are a threat.
The real threat is here and now. Do something!
Kathryn Miller, Schooner
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To the editor: Have we become so desensitized to mass shootings in the United States that when 22 victims are gunned down during the Super Bowl celebration in Kansas City, the news (except for one photo) is relegated to the back page of the main section of the LA Times? 'print edition?
Joel Miller, Torrance
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To the editor: Simply saying the words “thoughts and prayers” after a mass shooting without specifying what thoughts you have and what you are praying for is an extremely empty gesture.
It is time for us to share thoughtful ideas on how to keep our children and citizens safe from further violence. It's time for us to share what we are specifically praying for.
Mindlessly saying the words “thoughts and prayers” has become a meaningless gesture that has come to mean an endless series of deaths. And, without meaningful action, the phrase portends many more deaths.
Ronald Kotkin, Laguna Beach
