So our legislators are against more security at nursing homes because we give up our freedoms if we overreact or because it was an isolated incident?

While it was an isolated incident in Carthage, it is another in a steady stream of mass killings nationally that have increased the last several years. Don't be narrow-minded and act as if this is a one-of-a-kind deal. It has happened before, and it will happen again.

Nursing home patients are defenseless and in the complete care of others. How does it impact my freedom to know that patients at a nursing home facility are secure and safe?

I am a realist who, regardless of gun laws, thinks people will find ways to do harm to others. That leaves us to control what we can. In the case of a nursing home, school or other facility where we have entrusted others to care for our loved ones, security should be at the forefront. We need to look at ways to do things better.

I expect when I take my kids to school that the school is responsible for their care and well-being during those hours. It should be no different for the families that put their parents, brothers or sisters in a nursing facility for long-term care -- we have entrusted their health and well-being to someone else.

Yes, agreed, let's not overreact; however, let's not sit around and wait for the next mass killing. Sen. Harris Blake, if I have to give up some of my freedom to ensure this doesn't happen again I will be glad to do so. Unfortunately, the victims at Pinelake had their freedom violated, and it's too late.

Brad Flechsig

Whispering Pines