“Thoughts and prayers” are certainly important after each of our very American mass shootings, but the Republican talking points after each such incident include the ridiculous, “it is too early to discuss solutions.”

Well, we had better hurry and discuss those solutions before the next tragedy.

Mass shootings are now regularly occurring at places of worship, educational institutions, shopping areas, and entertainment events: anywhere we gather together.

At the center of these horrific disasters is the National Rifle Association, which has become the lobbying group for gun manufacturers and the financial support of too many of our legislators.

The Second Amendment and the term “well-regulated Militia” have been morphed into the right for anyone to walk around with loaded military assault weapons. This erosion of logic and common sense has been well crafted by those for whom profit is more important than human life.

Our congressman, Fred Upton, should be called upon by all of you who value life and a sense of safety in your everyday lives, to write the legislation to ban the sale of military assault weapons, high-capacity magazines and any device which can be used to convert any weapon into what we essentially recognize as machine guns.

He should also close the private sale “loophole” which allows unlicensed individuals to sell guns without the requisite background checks.

Courage will be needed since he will be guaranteed to lose his A+ rating and support by the NRA.

Mr. Upton, we need relief from this unnecessary danger in each of our daily lives, and you can provide that relief.

The time for mass shooting prevention is now.

Cynthia Miller

Benton Harbor