The poet John Donne wrote, "Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind." I consider it a personal attack when the lives of younger generations are snuffed out by assault weapons.

House Speaker Paul Ryan needs to be informed that it's past time to speak up. I want the teens of Parkland, Florida, and others to know that they have my support in protesting the ability of the public to buy assault weapons. You don't take assault weapons on a hunting trip; they belong in the military.

Assault weapons should be banned now! Background checks are not enough. Blaming mental illness doesn't cut it. So let's come together and have the same courage as these teens, joining them by clearly stating it's time to withhold our support of any legislator willing to take money from the NRA.

Katherine Barnett

Paso Robles