Response to two letters
about 2nd Amendment
As Tony Guiteras notes, the Second Amendment was added to the Constitution to ensure citizens of the new country could defend themselves against a powerful adversary (Your Views, May 9).
The U.S. had just broken away from Great Britain, a powerful country, and there was a very real chance Britain would attack again.
We are now in a much different situation. Many in this country disagree with actions taken by the current president, just as others disagreed with policies of the prior administration. It is clear, though, that fighting in the streets with machine guns and rocket launchers is not the answer. America is better than that.
In any decision that affects people’s choices in an effort to protect the public good, it’s important to weigh the benefits and costs.
There were 184 mass shootings in the U.S. in 2024. Fifty-five involved assault rifles. About 50,000 people died annually in the last four years from gunshot-related injuries.
Reasonable people might disagree, but for me, the cost in human life from those who use automatic weapons against others is too great to justify broad availability of these weapons.
Some gun owners might handle them responsibly. However, all too often, others — due to hate, mental illness or simple problems with anger control — turn these weapons on innocent people.
With regard to Patricia Enoka’s response (Your Views, May 18), I look at what the current administration is doing to immigrants and to people who are less fortunate who need health care. I look at how the current president treats women, and how he behaves toward those with whom he disagrees.
I ask myself, “What would Jesus do?” It is clear to me that Jesus would handle things differently.
Your advice to love your neighbor as yourself is good. Sadly, this is not what we see from the man in the White House.
Richard Leman
Honokaa
Letter made ‘valid points’
about golf course fence
I am writing in support of the May 30 letter to the editor titled, “Three reasons why golf course fence is a bad idea.”
The letter had valid points that Hilo’s community does not want a fence built around Hilo Municipal Golf Course.
Let the neighborhood enjoy an unobstructed view of the greens, and let residents enjoy after-hours walks done responsibly.
A beautiful, healthy environment helps people to stay healthy.
Thank you for letting our voices be heard.
Eva Young
Hilo
