Top of Mind: Would you be in favor of stricter gun laws in New Mexico?

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

LAST WEEK’S QUESTION :

Given the recent string of gun-related fatalities involving young people in New Mexico, would you be in favor of stricter gun laws in the state?

No. Criminals don’t pay attention to laws. What we need is stiffer penalties for those who use guns to murder, kill and destroy. Those young people who are caught with guns should be tried as adults. Elect judges to enforce the laws we have in place now.

— Dennis Martinez, Bernalillo

Gun violence has nothing to do with age. It has everything to do with culture and upbringing. Subsequently, our state laws, in respect to guns, are adequate. Those who use guns illegally, no matter what their age, should pay the maximum penalties (truly maximum) under the New Mexico state law.

— Kenneth Turner, Belen

Any objective person would agree that we have a gun violence problem in NM. I am in favor of stricter gun laws if they will keep guns away from scum who have killed our youth in senseless fashion recently. The scum are likely not influenced by MLG’s recent mandate however.

— Robert Little, Los Alamos

Absolutely. It’s painfully obvious that what we are doing now is not working. How many children must die in order to protect your right to bear arms?

— Mark Shortencarier, Albuquerque

I agree with Pat Davis about the governor’s action on gun crimes advancing the conversation. The gun is the vehicle, but the root problem is what to do about the mentally disturbed and the young hotheads.

— Jerry Heald, Albuquerque

When is everyone going to realize that gun crimes are committed by criminals who, by definition, don’t follow the law, so stricter gun laws are a waste of time and energy?

— Joel Widman, Rio Rancho

Stricter gun laws? Unnecessary. The sky isn’t falling; at least it won’t be with stricter enforcement of existing gun laws. Get judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement to enforce existing laws.

— Jeffrey Paul, Albuquerque

To answer this question, the Journal should publish summaries of the existing gun laws. If enforced, I believe we would see less gun violence. My answer is no.

— Rebecca Dow, Truth Or Consequences

Absolutely not. Criminals don’t follow laws. Those are the ones killing.

— Alicia Otero, Albuquerque

Yes. And retaining violent criminals. Bring back bail.

— Laura Reu, Albuquerque

No. Stricter gun laws target law-abiding citizens, not criminals.

— John Puemer, Santa Fe

Yes, I am definitely in favor of stricter gun laws. And I support the governor’s action. Every time something happens we have a day or two of people saying that we need to do something and then total inaction. …

— Michal Mudd, Albuquerque

If you’re pro-life, repeal the Second Amendment; if you’re for freedom, send your guns to Ukraine. If only criminals have guns, police will be able to tell who the criminals are. Since police can’t act preemptively, little children have to keep dying for your “rights.”

— Terry Seaton, Los Ranchos