Several of the letter writers today are exactly the reason why democracy is a bad idea and why our Founders chose to create a republic instead.

The vast majority of the mass shootings that have occurred, both in the US and Europe, have occurred in gun free zones - including Mandalay Bay Casino and Hotel.The shooters didn't heed the sign and brought mayhem into the "safe" zone because the people there were fish in a barrel who couldn't defend themselves. Had a single concealed carry citizen been available in any of those gun-free zones, as one was in Clackamas Mall and New Hope Church, the body count would have been much lower. The victims wouldn't have had to wait minutes or hours for help to arrive because help would have already been there.

But go on believing in fairy tales in which the world would suddenly be transformed if you got rid of your mythological symbol of evil. Fortunately, amending the Constitution takes a lot effort and the sane among us will oppose your stupidity.