The NRA represents a little more than 1% of our population. Their influence on this issue is disproportionate and out of sync with society. There motivation is not the Second Amendment. The greater society in general should not continue to be put in jeopardy to satisfy the cult like passion of a few.

My daughter is a third grade teacher in Bethel, CT. During the Newtown crisis I was communicating with her via text as she sat in the closet with her students. She and her colleagues have resolutely carried on doing the right thing after the tragedy. It is time for the rest of us to stand up and also do the right thing.

We will vote for representatives who vote to ban these horrid overkill weapons, and against any representative who backs down from this vital necessity.

Once again, after this matter is decided, we shall need to address our nation's sub-par viewpoints and insurance systems that aid victims of mental illness.

Sincerely, Mike and Barbara Searing

Must not let those children and educators die in vain

Could not vote for any representative who hesitates on this --- and I've voted 42 years in a row

I write to you on a very important matter. As you know, on Friday, December 14, 27 innocent people were brutally killed in Newtown, Connecticut, our state. You must be as outraged as I am that this could happen. We have to take action against the proliferation of assault weapons like the ones used in this mass murder. Gun makers and lobbyists are killing our baby children for profit and this has to stop. You, as a member of Congress, can put a stop to this by placing a ban on the manufacture, sale, purchase, import, and possession of assault rifles and guns that take multiple ammunition magazines, and those magazines. We also need more funding to help the mentally ill who are so desperate they might turn to violence. Gun advocates say that people need guns at home to protect themselves. I ask, how did that work for the mother of the killer at Sandy Hook?

The NRA has now suggested adding armed guards at all schools, primary schools of small children included. That is a ridiculous response, more guns, more money for gun sellers and manufacturers. The first person a killer would shoot is the guard at the door!
Please act now! Sincerely, Jean Krasno