After each incident of gun violence, no matter the circumstances, people like Kevin Johnson write letters demanding the “strengthening of gun laws” or “sensible gun laws” (“Voters must oust pro-gun politicians,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Nov. 20).

Those phrases are intentionally nebulous but the meaning is clear. Pass laws that put up so many roadblocks that people effectively cannot purchase or possess firearms, i.e., cannot exercise their constitutional right to “keep and bear” arms. Then blame the National Rifle Association.

The solution for the anti-gun crowd is simple: Amend the Constitution and repeal the Second Amendment. After all, our country has in the past voted to repeal amendments or alter the Constitution.

Why has that not been tried with the Second Amendment? Because when faced with giving up the fundamental right to “keep and bear arms” the majority of citizens say “no,” not trusting a government, any government, to adequately defend us or protect our other Constitutional rights.

Robert Richards

Lebanon, Tenn.

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Franken remorseful, but Moore defiant

It is instructive how differently various politicians respond to allegations of sexual misconduct. U.S. Sen Al Franken, the liberal Democrat, immediately takes responsibility, is remorseful, apologizes profusely and is disgusted by what he did.

By contrast, U.S. Senate candidate Roy Moore, the conservative so-called Christian Republican, denies that it happened, says the victims are all lying sluts and the allegations politically motivated by a corrupt press.

Incidentally, there is a big difference between a single episode of gross misjudgment (Franken) and the crimes of a longtime closet sexual predator (as alleged against Bill Cosby) or the claims of pedophilia against Moore.

Martin Blinder

Kaaawa

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Tax ‘reform’ a ruse to keep raising taxes

It’s time for taxpayers to realize that tax reform, whether state or federal, is a sham. Every time politicians talk about a reform, it’s another way for them to raise revenue.

The money that comes in is more than it used to be. We never see them lower their spending. And the price for everything goes up as a result of that.

Whiting Hyland

Kailua