As reported in The New York Times, the grief-stricken father of Christopher Martinez, one of the students killed in the shootings, denounced gun advocates and policies that led to the death of his child. He stated: “Why did Chris die? Chris died because of craven irresponsible politicians and the NRA. They talk about gun rights. What about Chris’ right to live? When will this insanity stop?”

Evidence indicates the mass murder was premeditated.

“It’s obviously the work of a madman,” Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said. A madman who previously posted a video on YouTube and wrote a lengthy manifesto describing his plans for retribution, broadcasting his desperation and leaving clues for others to find.

This young madman, who was described by family friends as being emotionally disturbed from a young age and was receiving ongoing psychiatric care, nevertheless was able to legally purchase a semiautomatic pistol and 400 rounds of ammunition.

No American civilian has the “right” to purchase 400 rounds of ammunition. That belief itself is a symptom of ignorance, arrogance and insanity.

The NRA, the politicians it buys, gun manufacturers and other “gun advocates” who demand this “right” must be accountable. Now.

Please write your congressional representatives and demand strict, rational gun-control legislation.

Martinez deserves an answer. And our support.

Mary Benson

Durango