I have read recent letters to the editor and editorials concerning the Second Amendment in our U.S. Constitution.

For those of you who don’t have a copy available, “A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

This great amendment protects our many freedoms, including free speech. And while many challenge our Second Amendment, I truly know it is one of the most important in our U.S. Constitution.

These freedoms have been lost in other countries and violence has continued in those countries. Keep in mind that the criminals don’t obey our gun laws. The heinous acts committed by mentally ill and unbalanced individuals are an assault on all U.S. citizens’ rights.

It is interesting to see individuals who want to strip our freedoms to own advanced firearm technology while ignoring the outrageous ills of the mentally ill.

I find it interesting that these anti-Second Amendment individuals don’t write letters concerning the violent and evil movies, video games and social media that are influencing the young and adults.

Charlie Kirk brought great witness to peaceful debate without violence to our youth and young adults. We need all Americans and Minnesotans to be like Charlie. 

We need to focus on security, support law enforcement and bring family values back to our communities.

I am a life member of the NRA and various shooting sports and have enjoyed taking my children, now grown to the range, where they learned about firearms and proper handling that included semi-automatic firearms. I encourage firearm training for all ages.