Dear Editor:

In 1871 the National Rifle Association (NRA) was founded shortly after the civil war, with its goal to promote and encourage rifle shooting on a scientific basis.

In 1879 access to gun laws were tougher than today. Was it because we were kinder and valued life more, or because economic growth required a more peaceful living to succeed?

In World War I, Christmas Eve 1914, God won over guns. Human life, familiar songs and the hearts of soldiers in the trenches all turned to an evening celebrating people who grew up believing they were enemies -- French, British and German. They had visited each other’s country and kept family photos in their pockets. It was not planned and was contrary to hate taught in schools. What happened?

Where were our protective gun laws in 1914? The U.S. did not enter WWI for two and a half years and did not experience a transformation from hate to love occurring in 1914. Neither military commanders, nor higher religious leaders were happy guns were laid down. Only the hearts of those present enjoyed Christmas in WWI.

December 2012 we witnessed the Sandy Hook gun killings of 8 adults and 20 children. Nation-wide gun control laws had slowly veered away from protecting innocent and peace minding citizens. That stopped here as the NRA backed gun control laws preventing mentally ill access. What makes that different five years later?

In 2017 after a $30 million investment in the election, the NRA is in the process of dismantling all gun access laws in America. Guns are designed to kill, not to solve problems. Is this all about money, or a desired second civil war? In WWI God won, but today it is hard to see how that happens.

Jarryl Larson

Edgecomb