"The bottom line is we must act. We can't let this happen again." No one can disagree with this sentiment from one of the Newtown, Conn., parents who lost a child in the recent shooting there.

Some have a simple solution. That solution calls for the government to establish limitations to the Second Amendment to the Constitution. While the Newtown tragedy should elicit ideas to prevent it from ever happening again, tragedy does not reverse rights.

Rights exist to be protected by the government, not limited or apportioned by government. "A well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." There is no qualification to ownership of guns, whether type of gun, number of guns, or ownership registration.

While private ownership of guns is required to have a militia, a militia is not required to own guns in the Second Amendment. Citizens have the right to carry guns (bear arms), not just own them. To own and carry guns is a right that shall not be violated or limited (infringed).

Stop with gun permits, gun type restrictions and gun registration. Either change the Constitution or shut up.

RODNEY NELSON, Richland