This is in response to James Harrigan's letter about the NRA and gun control. Harrigan has no idea why our Founding Fathers created and made the Second Amendment. The amendment was created to protect the First and following amendments to protect our freedom. Our Founding Fathers knew that to be a free society meant free not only from outside our nation but to prevent our government from taking away our freedom.

In World War II Japan did not invade us because our citizens were armed. An armed country will not be defeated. The peaceful country of Switzerland was not invaded because all its citizens are armed and trained to defend their country.

Throughout history, governments that kept their citizens from having the means to rise up have lived in tyranny and their freedoms were taken away. The Second Amendment has nothing to do with hunting but keeps the government from enslaving our people.

I grew up in a rural area and I knew that if something bad should happen, the police might not get there for 30 to 45 minutes or longer. Having the means to protect myself and my family was a top priority. There are bad people out there and nothing will stop them from hurting you.

All the mass shootings that have occurred has been from sick people. Keep America free and protect the 2nd amendment.

Walter Krause

Collinsville