In 1787 the U.S. did not have unregulated automatic weapons

Opinion letters published in The New York Times:

Evil Guns in America- Deadly automatic weapons did not exist in 1787: Rising above conflicts between individual states, George Washington created an atmosphere that allowed convention members to reach the compromises necessary to create a bold, new government.

But that was then and this is now:  Well, America, it has happened in our little town. You know our town, right? It’s the one people are sending thoughts and prayers to. It’s the town where people say, “We never thought this could happen here.” It’s the safe town with wonderful cops and a sense of community.

It’s the suburban town where everyone takes their kids in red wagons or on tricycles with streamers to watch the Fourth of July parade. It’s the town where people are shot randomly by someone with a rifle.

We are now in mourning. It’s now the town where pundits, who have never been here, will rattle swords and shriek to score points using dead people as chits. My town? It’s your town. It will happen again. Does this sound like freedom to you?

From Kevin Tibbles, Highland Park, Ill.
The writer is a former NBC newsman

To the Editor:  This Independence Day we hung at half-staff two of the six American flags that normally line our driveway every year. We did this to honor those six lives sacrificed in Highland Park.

Their right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness was usurped by the intentional misrepresentation of the Second Amendment by a minority of Americans. May all those who profess to be pro-life search their souls to examine their stance on gun legislation and what being pro-life actually means.

From Marcella Woodworth, Venice, Florida