To the editor: Let’s seize the second-best time

2/20/2018

There is a sentence in The Blade’s Feb. 18 editorial, “What can we do now,” that reads, “If we can’t take away the most lethal weapons — and, in fairness, it would take years even with a ban to retire all semi-automatics — there is still much that can be done that is not being done today.

In response to that statement, I would like to share the words that appeared on a sign at a gas station in Gauteng, South Africa; “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.”

Why not apply that same reasoning to guns and declare that the best time for the government to have banned semi-automatic weapons was 20 years ago? The second-best time is today. Otherwise, in 2038, we will be lamenting the government’s lack of action in 2018.

DON DECKER
Holland

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Moving on from ProMedica

It seems very strange that ProMedica professes to be an organization that saves human lives, yet agrees to accommodate people who are taking human lives (Feb. 15, “Abortion clinic reaches terms with ProMedica”).

I think I will find another organization to provide my health care — one that does not contribute to taking of human lives.

WILLIAM ULMER
Pheasant Lane

Who do they truly represent?

If Keith Burris thinks that Sen. Rob Portman (R., Ohio) or Sen. John McCain (R., Ariz.) are going to introduce any kind of common sense gun legislation, he better think again (Feb. 18, “Eastwood, abortion, and guns”).

Mr. McCain has received over $7.7 million in campaign funds from the National Rifle Association throughout his political career. This is the most of any U.S. senator. Mr. Portman has received over $3.3 million from the NRA, putting him in eighth place on the list for donations. The NRA has these two and a whole host of others, including Thom Tillis, Cory Gardner, and Marco Rubio, in its back pockets.

How many other innocent lives need to be taken in our schools, churches, and at music concerts before these gentlemen remember who they truly represent?

PAUL LINK
Maumee

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