I am a Marine veteran and member of the NRA. I am a registered Republican and owner of several firearms.

Whenever a mass shooting or murder with a firearm happens in our country, the left is quick to blame the GOP, the NRA and law-abiding gun owners. I’ve grown tired of this for three reasons.

One, I know plenty of Democrats who own a variety of firearms. Two, the open hostility from the left on law enforcement has driven a major shortage of police officers in the city of Pittsburgh as well as a city I work in almost monthly, Seattle. Three, the major changes of criminal justice reform and the bail process have put more violent recidivists on our streets. In turn, private citizens from every race, religion and political background have taken upon themselves to purchase firearms and protect themselves.

If the left wants to combat violent criminals and make our streets safer, they need to enforce the gun laws that are on the books already. They need to bring back tougher sentencing and stricter bail settings. And maybe above all, they need to work with law enforcement instead of vilifying them.

It is my own belief that the current violent time in our country is the byproduct of poor legislation pursued by leftist activists and politicians who do not see the big picture. Do not blame myself or other law-abiding gun owners because others chose to get soft on crime.

Nate Mattern

Bethel Park

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