Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,

Hello, I am a San Jose State transfer-student from the San Gabriel Valley, which is located in Los Angeles County. 

I wanted to write regarding your article published on October 24th called, “Awaiting the next big one.”

What I am more concerned about is that the next “Big One” is not an earthquake, but a mass shooting at San Jose State University. 

According to gunviolencearchieve.org, as of Nov. 1 there have been 352 recorded mass shootings that have occurred throughout the United States. 

In San Jose, there have been 3 recorded mass shootings just this year as well as 224 mass shootings recorded throughout California. 

I understand earthquakes can be dire, but it is imperative that the Spartan Daily relates to its readers that gun violence is an unfortunate, harsh reality. 

This can be achieved by publishing content relating to gun violence, and by promoting workshops at SJSU.

The Spartan Daily could take the leap forward in both broadcasting and educating its readers about the realities of gun violence related issues in America.

I understand earthquakes can be dire, and I am glad that the paper has done its part in representing the efforts of San Jose’s officials to help protect all who inhabit it; it is a textbook definition of a sanctuary city. 

However, it is imperative that the Spartan Daily takes the initiative in order to help keep its readers aware that an earthquake is not the only catastrophic shock that can happen at any moment.

By acknowledging gun-violence’s frequency or keeping a weekly update of the mass shootings in The United States, readers both native and international will be able to adequately understand the reality of gun-violence within the country, which is crucial for creating a safer environment.

Those living in The United States must be aware that gun related violence, and mass shootings are a reality that can affirmatively affect their lives. 

Knowledge is both power, and the key to creating a country where attending an event such as a garlic festival in Gilroy remains as safe as it sounds. 

By informing the public and giving fair representation about the frequency of gun violence in America; we can begin to create a safer country for the future.

Best,

Matthew Luna

Communications studies junior