To the editor:

Since Friday, when 27 innocent children and educators were murdered, there have been hundreds of additional Americans killed with guns, at least 40 percent of them children. How do we justify this slaughter without taking personal responsibility for it? We (not in Lawrence) have elected local, state and federal representatives who vote for bills allowing more and more guns and ammunition to flow onto our streets.

It is becoming very old to hear senators and representatives say, as Lynn Jenkins did in a public forum last summer, “We don’t need more restrictive gun laws, we just need to enforce the ones already on the books.” Then with a wink and a nod to the gun lobby, they vote to block funding for any bill that would allow for enforcement of those laws. Law enforcement, in order to function, requires hiring personnel and developing structures with priorities supported by the public.

If you are a hunter, enjoy your sport. If you do not need a military assault weapon or 30-round clips for your intended targets, please communicate that to the NRA and to your elected state and congressional representatives. If you have second thoughts about going into any gathering of people because someone may be carrying a hidden weapon and may not like the color of your hair, please express your fear to your elected officials.

We need to let elected officials know that we will carefully monitor their statements and votes related to gun regulations, and will not vote for anyone who refuses to take action to stop this carnage.