President Barack Obama is not going to take our guns away from us, despite what the NRA, Fox News and Rush Limbaugh tell us. The president’s proposal would require background checks, which would make it harder for the mentally ill and the felons to buy guns and ammunition. Also, it would ban assault weapons and armor-piercing ammo and guns with clips that can kill or wound 50 to 60 people in seconds.

I realize this is not the total answer, but it’s a step in the right direction. Where are our religious leaders, our governor, Sen. Chuck Grassley and all the Huckabees on this legislation? Are they more interested in the NRA and the gun lobby than saving lives?

Grassley said this legislation was a power grab by the president and Obama wants to be a dictator. Senator — you are wrong and I believe it is time for you to retire.

Tom Ratchford

Independence