TOP OF MIND: A reader wants gun owners to share some of their ideas concerning child safety. What should be done to protect kids?

Top of Mind is a weekly question about an issue affecting New Mexicans.

LAST WEEK’S QUESTION

A reader wants gun owners to share some of their ideas concerning child safety. What should be done to protect kids?

“Always keep your firearms locked in a gun safe. Install an anchored gun box in your car when you can’t carry it on yourself. Report social media pictures of kids with guns, large amounts of cash and drugs to the police. Know who your children are with.”

— Aurelio Chavez, Albuquerque

“Gun safety and education begin at home, and I am tired of and angry at irresponsible gun owners, parents not keeping track of their children and guns, and then pushing another responsibility onto the public to ‘protect the children.’ Frankly, we need protection from them, not the other way around.”

— Rebecca Campbell, Edgewood

“The often villified NRA has been leading the nation on child gun safety education through its Eddie Eagle Gun Safe program since 1988. ‘Stop. Don’t touch. Leave the area. Tell an adult.’”

— G.A. Minor, Albuquerque

“1. Aggressive prosecution and incarceration of criminals committing crimes with guns, even juveniles. 2. Harden schools with single entrance with metal detector and/or security guards.”

— D.W. Livingston, Albuquerque

“Metal detectors, clear backpacks, locker searches in schools. More anti-gang/anti-bullying initiatives. Stricter punishment for kids carrying firearms. More emphasis on the value of human life. Gun safety classes in school. Stop lumping 18/19-year-olds as “kids” to boost anti-Second Amendment stats.”

— Scott Daughtry, Albuquerque

“Treat every person who wants to buy a gun like … an abortion: Mandatory 48-hour waiting period, parental permission, a note from his/her doctor, require him/her to watch a video about the effects of gun violence.”

— John Adams Ingram, Albuquerque