My heart goes out to the people at Sandy Hook, and to people who suffer any kind of tragic loss, whether by gun, knife, bow and arrow or automobile.

I got my first job at age 15 at a gun shop, and I have loved guns ever since. I own numerous guns, and I know that none of them has killed anybody. These guns can’t do anything on their own and must have an operator. A gun, like a hammer, screwdriver or wrench, is only a tool.

I am 70 years old and do not profess to have any wisdom, only age and observations.

These shooters do not know the difference between right and wrong. They are mentally ill, but it may not be their fault.

Today, everything is grey. We desperately need education on right and wrong. We are starting a third generation without prayer (Bible) in the public schools. So we have many confused students and parents.

The long-term solution is to teach morals and ethics from kindergarten through graduation. This should be mandatory.

Yes, it will take years to repair the damage done by the Supreme Court and Congress. Once the Supreme Court ruled against religion, Congress should have put into law education on morals and ethics. No action was taken, and now we are reaping the rewards from our actions or lack thereof.

Elmer Outlaw

Wagener