According to the Gun Violence Archive, by Saturday, there have been 160 mass shootings in the U.S. in 2023. Saturday was the 105th day of this year, which means we have had more than one mass shooting a day here in America.

A mass shooting is one where four or more people have been shot and killed or injured. Four of the mass shootings have been in Colorado – Colorado Springs, Denver, Peyton and Pueblo. These shootings resulted in three people dead and 15 people injured.

The lives of all of the families of those people killed and injured have been irreparably damaged.

It is completely insensitive and thoughtless to allow a gun show and sale at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds this month. We are a nation plagued by gun violence and this type of show only increases the number of guns we have here in Montezuma County. Increasing the number of guns on our streets will not stop the violence, it will increase the likelihood that people will be injured or killed by guns when going about their lives in our towns.

I have family and friends who live in this community and, every day, I am grateful they have not been injured or killed by deliberate or stray bullets.

I understand the gun show and sale is legal, but given the prevalence of shootings here in the U.S., is it right?

Russ Taylor

Mancos