Suggestions for gun control

We tearfully watched the news reports of the massacre in Newtown, Conn., and were nearly overwhelmed with grief, helplessness and anger.

Following Colorado’s July theater shooting, I asked Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers to support stronger gun control laws. She replied, “Unfortunately, just as no rationale will ever justify this heinous act, no new law could have prohibited it.”

I agree that such events are never totally preventable, and I support our Second Amendment right to bear arms. However, I contend that such shocking events can be reduced greatly.

I sent McMorris Rodgers four suggestions:

1. Create a federal ban on the sale and/or possession of assault weapons. No one needs weapons that should be reserved for our military and police.

2. Make it illegal to possess magazines that hold more than a reasonable amount of bullets. No one needs a weapon that can shoot 100 rounds of ammunition without reloading. While in the U.S. Air Force 22 years, my M-16 had a 20-round clip.

3. Require gun registration, the same way we require automobile registration.

4. Require gun owners complete an approved safety course and obtain a user license, as we do before someone can operate a motor vehicle.

Wm. Lamont Worden

Greenacres