Thank goodness the hypothetical 12-gauge shotgun left in the doorway letter was an almost identical viral message “written” and recently sent to editors all across the country. I can’t imagine any of my Vashon neighbors would ever leave a gun around (loaded or unloaded) for anyone to stumble upon — especially in light of two fresh tragic incidents (in a line of too many to count) of children possessing guns: the first, a 12-year-old who wounded two students and killed a teacher and himself (Oct. 21, Sparks, Nev.), the second, an 11-year-old at school with the intent to kill (Oct. 24, Vancouver, Wash.).

This ill-timed letter about leaving a gun lying around to prove a point concludes that a gun alone can’t kill someone — true, which is why my friends and family with guns keep theirs locked up. The letter doesn’t mention background checks for gun purchases, but since its point seems to indicate that gun misuse leads to deaths, then it follows that background checks and basic safety standards are a must to keep guns out of the hands of people who should not have them. This includes felons, the mentally ill, persons convicted of domestic abuse or under restraining orders, and, of course, children.

With great power comes great responsibility — and to equate the power of a gun to the power of a spoon is incredibly disrespectful to victims of gun violence and does nothing to help bring common sense discussion to such a serious topic.

— Jenna Riggs