After the Fourth of July fireworks, I'm pondering challenges that face the National Rifle Association, of which I was once a member.
The NRA staunchly defends the rights of citizens to bear arms. As I approach age 89, I'm thankful for having fired a weapon very few times, never in anger.
A demented man at age 88 recently killed a security guard in the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington by firing an old rifle or shotgun. His criminal record is no secret. He has negated responsibility for gun ownership.
Could the NRA have prevented this and other horrors? Trigger-happy terrorists continue to disgrace what the organization stands for.
Our civility is at stake. Undisciplined use of weapons cannot be condoned. Indiscriminate use of nukes can play havoc. So can an old criminal's irresponsible slinging of a vintage gun.
The Star's editorial on gunning was on target. All of us share blame for these ongoing tragedies.
John A. Vanderford
Jacksonville
