Our nation's Founding Fathers pledged their fortunes and their lives in pursuit of freedom from a tyrannical government. Personally owned firearms were the means to win that freedom.

When freedom was won, our forefathers constructed the Constitution to ensure that freedom would not be lost to the very government they created. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, freedom of religion, freedom of speech are all protected by the Constitution.

With the Revolutionary War fresh in their minds, they also ensured the right to keep and bear arms. "The right of people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."

The definition of tyranny is: arbitrary or unrestrained exercise of power, abuse of authority.

Has our government abused its authority? Have our presidents, past and present, exercised their power without restraint." (Executive orders, etc.)

Is the kneejerk reaction to a menace in Colorado going to keep guns out of the hands of troubled souls? I think not. Responsible and moral behavior cannot be legislated.

An infringing law thrown at all citizens, law-abiding or not, will not stop immoral acts. Laws targeting felons, menaces and noncitizens are already on the books. Enforce those laws and stop writing new ones.

STEVE SHARP, Mesa