To the editor:

In the United States, one person dies every 17 minutes from gunshots.

Cities like Chicago and Philadelphia have a weekly gun toll that is both unbelievable and unacceptable. Gang warfare is mostly responsible. So … when and how do We the People demand that our legislators pass a sensible bill that will prohibit the purchase of assault weapons?

We need laws to prevent the sale of assault weapons that are designed for war weapons.

We need laws to prevent the sale of high count clips that kill so many so quickly.

We need laws that close loopholes in registration. All purchasers must show ID and wait for a three day background check. This includes guns purchased at gun shows or privately.

Most people favor these changes, but our legislators are owned by the National Rifle association.

The NRA’s Wayne Lapierre seems to have hold on the U.S. Congress and our state legislators. This must end now. The clock is ticking and people are dying.

Valid issues are how to keep guns away from people who are mentally ill?

Valid issues are should we keep guns away from people on a no-fly list?

Valid issues are should we keep guns from terrorists under investigation by FBI?

Federal legislation is needed. More money is needed for the FBI so that can address homegrown terrorists in addition to all its other duties. President Obama has dealt with 14 multiple shooting in his administration. Aways, we as a nation have known that bills need to be passed, but … nothing has passed in Congress.

The time is and must be now. Please if you care, or if you find these numbers unacceptable, contact your congressman and your senator now. None of these changes will deny the rights under the second amendment.

We cannot stop the clock ticking, but these changes can save some lives.

Joan Patterson

Lehigh Acres