Fighting Despair To Battle Gun Violence In Our Country — Letters that should have been in the new york times

5.28.22

To the editor:

Michelle Goldberg expresses an understandable but dangerous sentiment in response to the recurrent nightmare of gun violence in our country: hopelessness, helplessness and despair (5.28.22, America May Be Broken Beyond Repair). But if we allow ourselves to be governed by these feelings we will be living out a self-fulfilling prophesy.

Gun violence is an American problem that cuts across political party affiliation. The majority of Americans - almost 90% - support legislative efforts to reduce the carnage. The majority of American households - 58% - do not own guns. Self-serving politicians like Ted Cruz manipulate and deceive their constituents for personal gain.

Gun violence is the leading cause of death in young people in this country. Activism, whatever form that may take for each us, is the only path forward. If we give in to despair, we will have lost the battle to protect our children.

Respectfully

Larry S Sandberg