Column: Readers Offer Support

by Woody

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Avalanche of Email Proves Surprising

It is well-established in the newspaper business that readers are far more likely to write a letter in response to a story or column they disagree with than one with which they are like-minded.

Therefore I was prepared for an avalanche of cold disagreement to my hot-button pro-gun control column three weeks past headlined: Shooter Kills (Fill In The Number) Again.

As expected, a Costco-sized bulk package of emails flooded my inbox. Unexpectedly, the bulk did not take me to task. In fact, it was not even split pro-con down the middle. Remarkably my email was 100 percent favorable.

Moreover, people continue to come up to me at the bank, bagel store, beach and elsewhere to single out that piece with praise – unheard of for a column that ran nearly a month ago.

I believe this special space in The Star each Saturday morning belongs to the community and I am merely its steward. Therefore, I would like to share a sampling of comments I received from you.

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From Paula: “I have come to the conclusion that only when everyone who loves their guns becomes tragically affected by this epidemic, only then will they be willing to step up to the plate for change. So sad and scary for this great country of ours.”

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From James: “Clearly, times were different about our stance for our right to bear arms when we had no idea what the future would hold in weaponry. To be clear, I am a proponent of our right to bear arms, yet I’m also a major proponent of gun control. The common man has no need for semi-automatic or even automatic rifles, much less ones that can load a 15 round magazine, even in the case of hunting game.”

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From Sherrilynn: “No other country (developed or undeveloped) has the civilian gun violence the U.S. has. You neglected to mention a few of the great organizations – such as Everytown For Gun Safety, Americans For Responsible Solutions, and The Brady Campaign – that are trying to rid this scourge from our nation. (Guns on college campus really?)

“I am involved with two of these organizations and am constantly signing petitions/letters for legislation on gun control. How many of these organizations need to be started after a killing to make the U.S./state legislatures enact/enforce gun control laws?”

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From Joan: “I woke up this morning and after having some coffee, sat down to check out the on-line headlines. Of course, it’s another shooting. This time a police officer in Houston. And all that I could think was, ‘Can this just STOP?!’

“I have read that more police officers are killed by states that have the most gun ownership. I think all states have too much gun ownership and that ALL LIVES MATTER!

“I wish I had the perfect solution that would serve everyone, but I don’t think it exists. All I do know is that whatever we are doing now is not working. As you stated, it’s just constant.

“I want you to know that I admire you for taking a stand, in print. And that I couldn’t agree with you more.”

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From Gerry and Jean: “We, too, will vote for anyone seriously putting gun control as their number one priority.”

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From Peggy: “Once again you have written a very timely piece on the problem of people getting guns and then using that gun to kill or injure innocent people.

“It is so hard to understand why this wonderful nation cannot succeed in passing a significant law to stop the bloodshed! What is wrong with all those elected officials in Washington! Sometimes I believe they are just STUPID! Sorry to use that word, but what else would you call them?!”

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And from David: “Congratulations, Mr. Woodburn, for your courage to stand up for reasonable gun laws despite the inevitability of angering the gun-lovers and NRA supporters.

“As a nation, we embrace firearms, and then we lament the routine numerous deaths of innocents each day. We can’t have it both ways. Other countries are bewildered by our daily massacres.”

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Woody Woodburn writes a weekly column for The Ventura County Star and can be contacted at WoodyWriter@gmail.com.

Wooden-&-Me-cover-mock-upCheck out my new memoir WOODEN & ME: Life Lessons from My Two-Decade Friendship with the Legendary Coach and Humanitarian to Help “Make Each Day Your Masterpiece”