After the Newtown tragedy, I wrote a letter in support of reasonable gun laws and improved mental health care. Since then, even more people have been victims of gun crimes, some by the mentally ill, highlighting the need for action.

Unfortunately there has been a rabid backlash against any efforts to enact regulations concerning guns and ammunition. This has been orchestrated by the National Rifle Association, funded by gun and ammo manufacturers (the same people who gave us the infamous "cop killer bullets"). Their arguments are based on delusional conspiracy theories, crackpot ideologies, hyperbole and outright lies (no one wants to confiscate all the guns).

I had hoped for a reasoned debate as a few pro-gun advocates have put forward, but far more have chosen to be chauvinistic demagogues, forsaking intelligent discourse in favor of emotionally fueled diatribes.

I ask that people think through their arguments, re-read their letters before mailing them and be civil. We are all concerned citizens seeking a better way. If we work together we can come up with solutions. Compromise is not a four-letter word.

Kevin Johnson

Belleville