Act to stop gun deaths

I commend Herald-Leader’s editorial staff for its appeal in the piece entitled, “Time for prayers – and gun laws.”

I am a resident of western Kentucky, and we are reeling from the second mass school shooting in our area since 1997. Somber citizens throughout the region were glued to any news source available as details emerged regarding the tragic incident inside Marshall County High School.

While Kentuckians sincerely appreciate the thoughts and prayers sent from so many across this great nation to our tiny section of the state, the time has come for action on the part of our legislators.

They must craft sensible gun policies, such as requiring background checks on all gun sales, including private sales at gun shows, online or in person. It’s time for Kentucky to promote responsible behavior around guns, including responsible storage.

We must take concrete steps to ensure our residents truly understand the risks associated with easily accessible guns in homes with kids. The lives of our children are dependent on adults doing the right thing to protect them. This has to begin with sensible gun policies for all.

This story was originally published February 5, 2018 at 4:30 PM with the headline "Act to stop gun deaths."