To the editor:

We do not have enough money to help pay for public education when education is one of the major factors in helping all people become self-sufficient, self-reliant, productive people. All people becoming self-sufficient will cut state expenses on social programs where so much state money is used.

Government officials feel there is a need for new facilities and housing for criminals costing millions of dollars in taxpayer money, which could be used in more positive, productive ways. But we provide people with avenues for more violence, such as allowing everyone to carry a gun, which will create more crime and the use of more taxpayer money to pay for more police to solve the crimes and house the criminals when that money could be going for education.

The Declaration of Independence says: “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” The National Rifle Association may feel everyone has a right to carry a gun, but how can we pursue having these rights if we live in constant fear of being shot?