The two mass shootings in the US are just too shocking. Though US President Donald Trump condemned the act, saying it was an act of cowardice, there is no doubt that his derogatory language on immigrants is pushing hatred of foreigners into the limelight. It also encourages white supremacists to indulge in violence.

A poll earlier this year showed that most Americans want tougher gun laws but have little confidence their lawmakers will take action.

The poll of more than 6,800 adults reflects widespread frustration with state and federal lawmakers after decades of mass shootings in the United States.  One resident said lawmakers were too dependent on campaign contributions from gun rights groups to care about public opinion.

All said and done, gun control measures should be tightened; until this happens such incidents will continue unabated. And innocent civilians will pay the price.

Robert Stone

By email