I personally question the facts, logic and purpose of the letter by Robert Goodrich (“Confiscating guns just helps Democrats,” Dec. 9).
Factually, the AR-15 was originally designed by the ArmaLite company which subsequently sold the patent to Colt. Multiple variations based on this rifle design were manufactured, including one that Colt sold to the U.S. government as the M16 that did see extensive military service.
Logically, while I agree that working together as a society is a good way to solve problems, I’m unclear how removing assault rifles would only benefit Democrats.
In mass shootings, political ideology doesn’t appear to have any statistical advantage in the likelihood of survival.
Regarding purpose, in a letter that starts with an inaccurate history lesson, moves on to unsubstantiated claims against a political party and concludes with a non-sequitur on late-term abortions, the only common thread seems to be an attempt to use questionable information and hot-button issues to stereotype and vilify.
In a democracy, we are allowed differing opinions based on our beliefs, diverse backgrounds and varying life experiences.
Discussing difficult topics such as gun rights, how to ensure a just society and balancing individual rights with the rights of the larger group is important.
However, it is also important that each of us to listen to, think about and be informed on these topics so they can be discussed in a thoughtful and civil manner with our friends and neighbors.
This respect should be extended as surely as it should be expected.
Sean FlahertyCortez
