Dear Editor:

The letter from Linc Sample (Dec. 18 issue) attacking Fred Nehring for his liberal gun views is sadly full of inaccuracies and totally lacking any logic.

Mr. Sample would have us believe the NRA is a champion of gun safety. There was a time when the NRA was somewhat responsible. The NRA is today a shill for gun manufacturers who make billions by selling more and more guns.

The recently confirmed Surgeon General was delayed for a year by NRA lobbying. His offense? He thought the country might want to talk about gun violence. Well, freedom doesn't extend to talk and discussion, does it?

The NRA also pressured some cowardly politicians to withhold funds for scientific investigations of gun violence in America. Again, freedom seems somewhat limited per the NRA.

Mr. Sample says no one wants to keep guns away from criminals more than gun enthusiasts like himself. I say bravo to that. I think gun enthusiasts should take the lead in pushing for gun safety. Legal authorities say this is the most effective way of keeping guns away from criminals and the mentally ill. But this might mean fewer profits for the gun industry. And so the NRA opposes this simple and effective way to reduce gun violence.

To hell with the kids who die, and the mentally ill who use guns on themselves or others. We can't interfere with our unlimited freedom or the profits from guns.

There is so much more in the letter that is just plain false, but let me conclude with one comment and quote. Despite the NRA and people like Mr. Sample, the Second Amendment (2A) is not a license for unlimited gun use. The Supreme Court approved in 2008 the right of individuals to have handguns in their homes by a 5/4 vote.

Justice Scalia noted that 2A, like most rights, was limited. It is not a right, Scalia said, to keep and carry any weapon for any purpose whatsoever.

By the way, President George H. W. Bush years ago grew so disgusted with the NRA, he resigned his membership.

Fred Rotondaro

Southport