To the Editor:

Recently, I was trying to imagine just how devastated we Hilltown folk would feel if a school shooting were to happen in our community.  It is easy to think that such tragedies always happen somewhere else.

Attending “Shrek” at Berne-Knox-Westerlo recently, I was moved by the sea of beautiful, innocent young faces, all depending on us adults to do the right thing. It made me realize that I have to do everything in my power to insure that common-sense gun-safety measures are enacted.  

The following is a “manifesto” written by some of the students from Parkland.  It makes so much sense:

— Ban semi-automatic weapons that fire high-velocity rounds;

— Ban accessories that simulate automatic weapons;

— Establish a database of gun sales and universal background checks;

— Change privacy laws to allow mental healthcare providers to communicate with law enforcement;

— Close gun-show and secondhand sales loopholes;

— Allow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to make recommendations for gun reform;

— Raise the firearm purchase age to 21;

— Dedicate more funds to mental health research and professionals; and

— Increase funding for school security.

I do not know a single hunter or gun enthusiast who would argue against these points. Yet, the National Rifle Association spews endless rhetoric about “protecting the Second Amendment” and spends vast sums to influence (mostly Republican) lawmakers to block common-sense gun reform.

Last week, I spoke to staffers in Mitch McConnell’s and Paul Ryan’s offices to let them know that I was aware of the substantial contributions that these leaders were accepting from the NRA and to demand that they do the right thing or prepare to be voted out.  

I accept that gun owners have rights, but it is time to protect the rights of students, their teachers, and all Americans so that we can all feel safe and secure.

Paul Scilipoti

Berne