Opinion letter: The "Gunshine State"- from "worried" in Nebraska

All gun violence is preventable!

An echo opinion published in the Nebraska, the Lincoln Journal Star 

In regards to the latest gun violence in Florida (“Shooting leaves three dead in Jacksonville,” Aug. 27), although from Canada originally, I have moved to Lincoln and just recently and proudly received my U.S. citizenship.

Canada has very different gun laws from the U.S., and no powerful gun lobbies providing funds to Canadian politicians and lawmakers.

According to recent data released by Statistics Canada, the number of gun violence deaths per 100,000 persons (per year) in that country is less than 1; whereas, in the United States (according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the number is approximately 12.6 deaths per 100,000 persons.

Of course, Canada is not immune to gun violence, and several recent tragedies underline this fact. But, in my opinion, some of the worst U.S. incidents in the last year may be linked to the vast difference in gun sales between the two countries, and in the case of Florida, the state. My daughter currently lives in the "Gunshine State," and I worry about her safety every day.

I hope that readers will get out and show the power of this wonderful democracy by supporting those November candidates that will take a stand against gun laws that are designed primarily to protect profits and politicians, not citizens.

Louise Bauck, Lincoln

Nebraska echo- Letter to editor: Senate needs humane bill

Senator Ben Sasse and Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska, must be reading letters to the editors published in their state's newspapers. 

Here's an echo post, from among the many, written by Joe Shaw of Lincoln, Nebraska, published in the Lincoln Journal Star newspaper.

Senator Ben Sasse has the ability to prevent his constituents from the harmful impact of an unnecessary repeal of the successful Affordable Care Act

LINCOLN, Nebraska- I urge our senators to vote no on the repeal of the Affordable Care Act. I count many friends and family members among the 22 million Americans who will lose insurance.

At 57 and with diabetes, which is under control, I am afraid my pre-existing condition and age will result in much higher premiums that my family just can't afford.

Congress, if it wished, could fix the problems with the ACA, with an aim of lowering and controlling the spiraling costs of healthcare. Why isn't this their aim? I am baffled by both the Senate and the House bills, which mostly seem to be cuts to Medicaid in order to provide tax cuts to the richest 1 percent.

I implore our senators to represent us all and craft a humane healthcare bill that will work for all Americans.

Joe Shaw, Lincoln