Room for guns and reasonable limits

I don't see the need for a debate about gun control. The Second Amendment is the Second Amendment.

Sorry, opponents of guns, it's the law. But also, gun lovers, the law demands sanity.

I hear many strident arguments, pro and con, about gun ownership, and I find little sanity.

One insane belief would take guns away. Another would justify anything using gunpowder, i.e. sub­machine guns, unlimited round clips, the whole nine yards.

I don't see the need for debate. The Second Amendment provides us with protection from dictators, foreign and domestic.

History is rife with nitwits who became owners of whole societies. Need I name some? Nero, Adolph, Benito, Joseph, Tojo, Saddam, Osama . . . .

There is a need for both sides of the argument. There is a need for understanding the Second Amendment, why it was written and why it is invaluable. And for why it should not be corrupted by anyone.

C.E. LYNN JR.
SALEM


Tax exempt rules should be reviewed

The Internal Revenue codes that define tax-exempt status have in many cases outlived their purpose.

Federal and state governments could increase their tax revenue significantly by reclassifying many tax-exempt businesses as taxable.

Roanoke-based Carilion Medical Center reported total revenues of $1.3 billion for the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2012.

The American Cancer Society reported total revenues of $1.014 billion for its 2010 tax period.

The American Bureau of Shipping reported revenues of $3.17 billion from 2004 to 2010.

The American Heart Association reported revenues in excess of $657 million for the tax period ending June 2011.

The total revenue of these organizations is probably less than a fraction of 1 percent of all tax-exempt organizations and businesses in the United States.

The Internal Revenue Service or Congress should look into this tax-exempt subject and collect revenues that should rightfully be deemed taxable.

DOUG TURNER
PEARISBURG

Weather Journal

6 hours ago