Recently, I did research on the actual treaty. In no way did the treaty affect the rights of any American or their guns within the United States. It merely directed regulating the import and export of guns by foreign countries. It was to prevent terrorism and not an anti-gun bill. Every UN country but North Korea, Iran and Syria voted for it (bad company).

A long-standing political truth says to follow the money. Simple research reflects gun manufacturers benefit most. Because of the structure of corporations, they have one job: make money. They sell weapons to anyone, no questions asked.

Any high school journalism student would flunk if they reported the treaty as much of the media did. What Coy said was propaganda based on what he believed from the news. Obviously, he did not know the media only reported on information provided by the NRA, designed to sell more weapons; the media used NRA statements with zero research. He obviously did not know the treaty was designed prevent foreign terrorist attacks. Half-truths are dangerous propaganda.

Udall voted to protect us. So why didn’t every senator vote to protect us? Senators don’t always read the actual bills and often just vote what their constituents say. Many constituents watched the media stories, believed the propaganda and asked their senators to vote against the treaty. However, Udall understood the treaty’s actual purpose, did his job and voted to protect us from foreign enemies; he upheld his oath. He deserves commendation, not disrespect. Opinions should not guide votes – facts and oaths should.

Terrorists are taught propaganda; they recognize it and use it. They surely are laughing at Americans who believe such obvious propaganda against a treaty designed to protect all of us.

We have been taught America doesn’t use propaganda. Maybe so, but the media does. When another foreign terrorist attacks, remember Udall voted to protect us.

Carol Ruth

Durango