To the editor:

We were  very pleased to see the recent letter to the editor in The Journal that was sent in by Colleen Hokenson and  Vicki Pieser on behalf of Marlys Zetah dealing with shootings. We agree that some solutions need to be carried out to  prevent the terrible carnage like what happened at the end of summer at the Annunciation Church in Minneapolis. But it also seems like shootings have become an almost daily event in the U.S. Many other countries with stricter gun laws  have far fewer shootings. What can be done here in the US?

We will never do away with guns but some steps to control shootings are possible. Enforce background checks for all  gun sales with real waiting periods, use red flag laws to keep guns out of the hands of troubled people, do more to keep guns out of school grounds and other areas like churches and athletic fields, pass serious laws to end open carry, make gun safety training a requirement for new gun owners, work toward improved gun storage in homes, require lost and stolen guns be reported, end 3D printed guns, use gun buybacks, and end the sale of assault weapons, bump stocks, and other rapid fire devices. Weapons of war do not need to be in our homes.

Yes, every state is different with a variety of gun laws and we need each state including Minnesota to make a serious  attempt to pass what is possible. In general there should be no need to ban guns used in hunting and for personal  safety. However, we need to end the tragic loss of life from guns and especially to keep young people safe. 

Ingrid and Lowell Liedman

New Ulm