Gun violence

To the Editor:

I’ve been a longtime member of a local ukulele group led by Peggy Tehan here in Sisters. Last Thursday we performed at Sisters Elementary School for three classes of first-graders. We were seated in the gym in a half circle facing the bleachers.

The children were led into the gym by their teachers and sat on the bleacher benches in front of us. A Rotary Club member came out and talked about the importance of reading. A children’s book was read to them. During this time the ukulele group sat patiently, watching the children as they did their best to behave while doing such things as picking their noses, counting the ceiling lights, and poking at their friends. We then sang variations of the songs: “If You’re Happy and You Know It, Clap Your Hands,” “Baby Beluga,” and “Brush Your Teeth” with words changed to fit the reading theme.

I can only speak for myself, though I feel that the other performers were thinking the same while we sang for these children, watching them clap their hands, stomp their feet, and shout hooray: How could the angelic faces of these children become the targets for anyone’s bullets? Is there really nothing that can be done about gun control? Really? Do we need to turn our schools, churches, synagogues, movie theaters, event centers, stadiums, etc. into fortresses with armed guards at every door?

We all know this kind of violence is going to happen again. And again. And again. Can’t we just start by outlawing military assault weapons?

Paul Bennett

Finding the middle way

To the Editor:

I want to thank Mitchell Luftig for his insightful and thought provoking commentary on May 25, “Finding the middle way.” These contributions help expand our views and foster positive discussions among friends of diverse opinions. Thank you!

Tom Derr