I do not live in Teaneck; nonetheless, the letter from the Teaneck Republican Municipal Committee seems lacking. Yes—it establishes said committee as pro-firearms; however, focusing only on (1) purchasing and (2) carrying firearms is sadly lacking. It ignores the two most critical elements: (3) safety and (4) usage.

A few years ago I received an master’s in criminal justice. Nearly all of the professors were police officers. All emphasized that they had gun safes—no guns under the pillow or in the night stand. Their focus on safety rings every time I read of the tragic shooting by some child who got a hold of an unsecured firearm.

Although at times it seems like yesterday, it’s been over 50 years since I went through basic combat training. Within less than a week, this city kid who had never fired anything more lethal than a Roy Rogers cap gun was obliterating distant targets with my very own M16A1. The proper/appropriate deployment and usage of firearms is no simple matter. Complex issues include: who (training?), where (school, synagogue, home?) and when (24/7, in response to emergencies?). I have no simple answers.

Fundamentally, we must determine if the deployment of firearms enhances or jeopardizes our community.

Carl A. Singer, Colonel U.S. Army (retired)

Passaic