LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Follow New Zealand’s example in mass shootings

To the Editor:

After the mass murder of 19 school children and two Teachers, the Protecting the Kids Act passed by the house by a vote of 223 for, 204 against, only five Republicans joined the Democrats and voted for the bill, while 204 Republicans voted against it. The bill will not pass in the Senate, which is controlled by Republicans.

What does that tell you? It tells me that the Republicans, who are beholding to the gun lobby, don’t care about the lives of our children (or anyone else). Over 51% of Americans want a ban on assault weapons, while 32% don’t. Shouldn’t the majority rule?

The problem in our country is that the Republicans, who are controlled by the gun lobby, have the power to veto any such legislation. The only way to change this problem is to vote the Republicans out of office!

The country of New Zealand does not have that problem because they are smarter than Americans. Fifty percent of New Zealand’s Parliament consists of women. It took them 72 hours to correct their problem … 72 hours!

After a mass shooting at two Mosques in Christ Church, New Zealand, where 50 people were killed, New Zealand’s Parliament enacted a law banning all assault weapons. Since that law was passed there have been no mass shootings in New Zealand.

The choice is yours when you vote.

— Joe DeMarco

Jay, N.Y.

NOTE: Joe DeMarco is a World War II veteran.