Dear Editor:

I would like to express thanks to Harriet Bloom-Wilson for her articulate and informative letter concerning the unspeakable acts of violence in our country and the behavior of those in power. I agree with everything you say and I want to stand up with you and say I, too, am outraged.

My husband fought in World War II for our right to be a free and kinder nation, where every life is valued, no matter what our race or color might be. He would be appalled to hear that people are actually living in fear.

The news recently told of people in two different cities running for cover when they heard what they thought was gunfire, but was only motorbikes backfiring. Latinos around the nation worry about being target of white supremacy.

When did it all start? It started with the person who is supposed to be the leader of the world denigrating everyone who disagrees with him. He says, “Go back to where you came from” to four women of color. Three were born in this country. Where does he think his ancestors comes from? He’s certainly not Native American. His ancestors came over on a boat. Not a slave boat to be sure, but a boat nevertheless. His ancestors were immigrants.

He has softened his tone a little since the mass shootings, but it’s too little, too late. No doubt the young man who committed the atrocities felt they were doing what he wanted them to do. They planned the murders, bought the guns and ammunition and proceeded to kill as many people as possible!

When the shooters heard of the so-called Hispanic invasion, they felt they were called to do something about it. In El Paso, the shooter targeted a Walmart where he thought he could kill the most Mexicans. Where do you think he got that idea?

We need stronger guns laws and we need them now. No one should be able to buy an assault rifle. As long as the NRA is in control, we can forget that. When enough people say say enough is enough, maybe then something will be done.

Our president needs to understand that our country was built on love, honor and respect — not hate, bigotry, lies and deception.

My heart aches for the families of the murder victims. I also feel sorry for the families of those men who pulled the triggers. They have to live with that for the rest of their lives.

Donna Hall

Powell