When I rode a bus from the Newark Train Station to the Veterans Administration Center in East Orange I felt uneasy and fearful. Fellow passengers stared coldly at me as if I was an intruder. The sections we were passing through were some of the most hostile. Shootings and violence were reported almost daily.

My feelings were similar to those I felt whenever I traveled from the air strip or harbor to my quarters on the island of Saipan months after the marines had secured the island of Saipan months after the marines had secured the island in 1944. There were still diehard enemy stragglers still loose. I breathed a sigh of relief if we were not attacked by them.

While on active duty in the military we were well trained in the use of firearms. We were issued 45 caliber pistols, dubbed by us GI’s as Hawg Laigs (Hog Legs). I am thankful that I never had to use mine.

The best way to solve the gun problem is the military way. Treat guns as lethal weapons in the same way as motor vehicles are treated. No one can own or drive a motor vehicle unless one is duly licensed. And each and every car or gun is accounted for. Even the National Rifle Association ought to accept this method. Article II Amendment to the US Constitution refers to “a well regulated militia” does not include individuals.

Very Truly Yours,
Peter Book/a.k.a. Pedro Libro