E.J. Dionne wants dialogue on firearms when an atrocity, such as that which happened in Colorado, is committed.

There is dialogue, but he wants it to conform to his anti-Second Amendment leanings. The truth is that many news reporters do exploit a tragedy. It has been said that anti-Second Amendment groups gloat when a tragedy happens. They relish using it to further their agenda.

Dionne is trying to compare apples to oranges. There is a law to cover every situation concerning guns. He does not seem to realize that criminals do not obey laws. That is a common affliction among those who want to enact gun laws that already exist. Having a meaningful conversation about gun laws with Dionne would require that he learn something about firearm laws.

Dionne doesn't want to recognize that people who commit this type of tragedy do indeed have what he calls "psychological disabilities." He sure does have a weird sense of what is normal. Those planning to commit an atrocity know that most times they will be the only one with a weapon and therefor the victims will have no means of defense.

The NRA supports sensible gun regulation but not frivolous laws.

A gun-free zone is a criminal's paradise.

George A. Herman

Conewago Township