| Mexico and U.S. gun policy Letters have been edited for length and clarity. Do you think nations like Mexico that are affected by U.S. firearms should be able to influence American gun policy? | | | A mixed bag | A resounding no! Mexico should have no say whatsoever. They have no right to interfere with our constitutional rights. Len B., Philadelphia Yes, Mexico should have the ability to shape U.S. gun sales to Mexico. Ginny G., Winthrop, Maine Yes. If the U.S. can get involved in countries that send drugs to the States, then Mexico can do the same with guns. James B., Lumberton, Texas |
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| | It's complicated | Your article oversimplifies the solution to the problem, as if doing away with firearms in the U.S. would make Mexico a safer place to live. The problem is far more complex than that, from poverty in Mexico and Central America to government corruption and demand for illegal drugs, as well as the resulting large profits for the parties involved in drug sales. Taking away firearms will not solve the crime problem in Mexico. Dayle F., Absarokee, Montana The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was written to protect the American people from being disarmed and subjugated by tyrannical politicians. It is unfortunate that criminals, both elected and unelected, terrorize the Mexican people. But that is a problem for the Mexican people to change internally, not by trying to alter the U.S. Constitution! George H., Fort Collins, Colorado The article clearly states that Mexico has some of the world's most stringent gun laws, yet criminals seem to easily find ways to ignore those laws. If U.S. manufacturers ceased to exist, do they think the void would not be filled by more nefarious nations? Russian and Chinese weapons are already prolific around the globe, obtained illegally and used to commit crimes and heinous acts of terrorism. It is only logical to understand that even if U.S. manufacturers ceased all weapons production, Mexico's gun violence would continue with guns from other sources. Matthew V., St. Paul, Minnesota As I see it, the point you are making in this article is that in a country with only one gun store and very strict gun laws, gun control still doesn’t work. Amazing how the drug cartels will not follow the laws. You see the same thing happening here in the U.S. where states and cities with strict laws find themselves with high murder rates anyway, because criminals don’t obey laws. Gun laws are pretty ridiculous when you think about it. Someone set on murder isn’t going to let any law, let alone a gun law, affect their actions. Last time I checked, murder was illegal everywhere but, alas, still happens. Scott L. |
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| | Father's Day memories | | Last month we asked OZY readers to share their thoughts and memories about Father’s Day. Today we share one reflection. When I wake up in the morning, greeting my day with enthusiasm and resolve, I am being him. When I kiss my wife good morning with love and gratitude, I am being him. On warm summer days when I roll the window of my car down and rest my left arm on the door, I am being him. When I go to the office and use my wit and charm to inspire and motivate my customers and coworkers, I am being him. When I visit farms all over the world and walk the fields, carefully examining tomato and cucumber plants as if they were precious jewels, I am being him. In business and in life, when I insist on doing the right thing, I am being him. But most of all, when I have had a positive impact on peopleʼs lives, when I feel a sense of joy and wholeness, I know that beneath it all is my Dad, feeling proud of me. Marty M., Kailua Kona, Hawaii |
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| | | Trivia Teaser | Which country has the highest number of civilian-held firearms in Europe? Write to us with your answers at [email protected]. We’ll share the answer and callouts to those who get it right in an upcoming Daily Dose! We previously asked which two countries’ Supreme Courts decriminalized abortion in the past nine months. Answer: Mexico and Colombia. |
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| Governments reparations | | As part of our Juneteenth coverage last month, we published “Jamaica Demands Reparations” (June 15). Here’s what you had to say. I think the royal family should give back land from the 6.6 billion acres the Queen owns. Lynn B., Las Vegas, Nevada Money should be used and approved by an independent group consisting equally of both the injured and the one who owes, and then approved by the British heads of office. Let the injured country reflect the payment and receipt so all natives of both countries are involved. Nanci B., Venice, California The sins of the father shall not be cast on his sons. No reparations. Fred G., Raleigh, North Carolina |
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| Community Corner | What idea, innovation, person, or theme would you love to read about on OZY? |
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| ABOUT OZY OZY is a diverse, global and forward-looking media and entertainment company focused on “the New and the Next.” OZY creates space for fresh perspectives, and offers new takes on everything from news and culture to technology, business, learning and entertainment. Curiosity. Enthusiasm. Action. That’s OZY! |
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