Readers sound off on New York gun laws, Catholic school and anti-cop rhetoric –

Brooklyn: The gun laws proposed by the Legislature are based on common fallacies and misconceptions. The notion that if we issue more gun carry licenses, it will result in more gun-related chaos is proven wrong almost every day. In 2021, more than 90,000 gun licenses were issued in New York. Of the daily shootings and killings, how many of them are committed by licensed gun owners? Probably none.

Gov. Hochul says, “We are creating a definitive list of sensitive locations where individuals will not be able to carry firearms.” Unfortunately, the only people who will pay attention to this list are law-abiding, licensed gun owners. Does she really think someone intent on mass murder will leave his gun outside because the establishment doesn’t allow guns on its premises? Such a list would do the precise opposite of its intent. It would serve as an itinerary for potential mass murderers as to which locations they can safely unleash their mayhem — and there’ll be nobody there (with a gun) to stop them! What a plan!

You hear the argument that inexperienced gun owners may accidentally hurt themselves or others. Although this does happen on rare occasions, the number of lives that could be saved by a licensed gun owner thwarting even one massacre could conceivably be more than the number of lives lost in an entire year of accidents. Anyone can learn the proper use of a firearm, just like anyone can learn to drive or operate machinery. Besides, within the confines of a classroom, for example, it doesn’t take a marksman to shoot someone 15 feet away. Josh Greenberger

Apex, N.C.: I’m 72 and currently live in North Carolina but my roots are in New York, having lived there for 25 years. After I left NYC, I would make a pilgrimage to the city each year to enjoy a Yankees game, great food, a Broadway play and the hustle and bustle that only New York can offer. This year, I canceled. I was honestly scared to go. I was scared of taking the D train to the stadium, scared of being shot in front of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and scared of being knifed in Herald Square. I long for the days when you only had to be careful of pickpockets. I miss you and want you back, New York, but until your act is cleaned up, I’ll be in North Carolina. Brian Langer

Brooklyn: Last month, three people died in a fire that burned three houses. The victims were residents of an illegal basement apartment. In order to avoid future similar situations, our state Assembly and City Council members should create a law stating that the families of the victims should sue the property owner and the company that insures those dangerous firetraps. The same rule must be applied to any illegal cookout organizers. Our dear mayor loves the flamboyant style of life, but the common-living types in this city want to have security, good quality of life and less killing. Francisco J. Castillo

Lincoln Park, N.J.: While my heart goes out to the victims and survivors of the deadly Hudson River boating accident (”2 die in Hudson,” July 13), this is really a cautionary tale: Stupidity kills. A small boat advisory from the weather service was ignored and they…