Every generation has events that stick out in the mind for years to came. The Sandy Hook shooting was one of those times. For my family, it brought back memories of the Aurora, Colo., theater shooting.
My cousin’s son, Matt McQuinn, was in that theater that night. His grandfather is a retired police officer who served and protected the citizens of Springfield, Ohio.
Just as his grandfather thought of others first, Matt died protecting his girlfriend, Samantha. I hope you can see why the president’s proposed gun legislation is important, not only to our family but to everyone.
After Sandy Hook, people started saying, not again. In the month since Sandy Hook, 900 people nationwide have died because of gun violence.
President Obama signed 23 executive actions, which will not require congressional approval, to strengthen existing gun laws and take steps on mental health and school safety.
But he will need Congress’ help on other matters. Obama wants to expand background checks to anyone buying a gun, whether at a store or in a private sale at an auction or convention; restrict ammunition magazines to no more than 10 rounds; put 15,000 more police officers on the streets; and reinstate a ban that expired in 2004 on assault weapons.
In addition, he wants to train more police officers, first responders and school officials on how to respond to armed attacks and to expand mental-health programs.
Some or all these proposals may not become law without your help. Please contact your United States senators and representative.
Tim Wiseman Sr.
Washington Court House
Payroll tax as an investment
Let’s be factual about the increase in the payroll tax. Reduction in payroll taxes was passed in 2010 as a temporary measure to stimulate the economy.
President Obama and Congress reduced the share paid by workers from 6.2 percent to 4.2 percent for 2011 and 2012, saving a typical family about $1,000 a year.
The reduction has now expired. During the negotiations that occurred in Congress, it was decided not to renew this tax cut, so approximately 77 percent of U.S. households, the poor, working class and middle class, will see less in their paychecks.
The president didn’t lie about holding the tax rates for middle-class families.
Only households making over $450,000 and individuals making over $400,000 annually will pay income taxes at higher rates.
On a brighter note, the more you contribute in payroll taxes, the larger your Social Security check will be when you retire.
Think of the expiration of this tax cut as an investment in your future.
Rita Rizzo
Springfield Township
Scored for rejection
On Jan. 6, the Beacon Journal ran an article about new state education standards (“Ohio students may fall short in new testing”).
It showed Coventry Local Schools ranking second to last among 26 area school districts in reading proficiency scores.
Now they want us to build the district a new school? Don’t forget to vote on Feb. 5.
Matt Kinsinger
Coventry Township
Protected right
The Second Amendment does not establish the right to keep and bear arms. That right predates the Constitution because it is integral to the basic human right to self-defense and the defense of one’s loved ones and property.
What the Second Amendment does is prohibit government from infringing on the right to keep and bear arms. That is a big difference
Dave Garthoff
Akron
