Another school shooting, this time in Nashville. Three children and three school staff members killed. So far, 128 mass shootings this year, more than one per day. Fifty-one school shootings last year, and 13 so far this year with 23 people killed or injured. More than 85% of fatalities in mass shootings are caused by assault weapons.

There is no federal law restricting the manufacture, sale or possession of an assault weapon. During the 10-year federal assault weapon ban from 1994 to 2004, mass shooting fatalities were 70% less likely to occur than before or after the ban. Assault weapons have one purpose: Kill or injure the maximum number of people as quickly as possible. That purpose might match the insanity of war, but does it have a place in civilized society?

The Republican representative for the Nashville area, Andrew Ogles, was “utterly heartbroken” and sent his “thoughts and prayers to the families of those lost.” Maybe he could forward his Christmas card to the parents of the children who were killed? The card shows his family holding guns with the caption: “The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference – they deserve a place of honor with all that’s good.”

More likely, evil hides in the pious, disingenuous words of comfort from politicians who lack the moral courage to protect our citizens, our teachers and most importantly, our children from the evil of assault weapons.

Rich Farrington

Hesperus