Dear editor,

I wonder how many people in this country know that we are the most violent in the world. We have more homicides, robberies, rapes, etc. than Europe and Asia combined. We are always preaching Democracy but don't always abide by it. The worst of all is homicide by guns. People accuse the NRA as prime organization of allowing these crimes to happen. That is wrong. They are talking about shotguns for hunting and guns in the home to protect yourself.Twenty five years ago, as a patrolman in Philadelphia, I encountered plenty of homicides and was sickened by them. Children losing their dads and moms and dad losing their sons or daughters. When is this country going to get their heads on straight and do something about it.Thirty years ago, you could go to specific neighbors, park on the street and be approached by a gang member and asked what do you need and within minutes you could have a weapon. God knows its worse now. I feel these gun shops should be under jurisdiction of the government. I feel anyone caught carrying a gun on the street should be imprisoned for one year. We have to show the world we are not a violent country anymore. Let's give the police more leverage.Richard Fosbenner,Tamaqua