Expand background checks for gun buys: #tellusatoday

We asked our followers on Twitter whether they thought universal background checks for gun purchases are needed. Comments are edited for clarity and grammar:

It's embarrassing that the people of Colorado would punish those who strive to protect the public by reasonable means.

— @RobinsonShow

The legislators were recalled because they enacted an overly intrusive law that has little chance of solving the problem.

— @13013B

Background checks are common sense. If you have nothing to hide, what is the problem? Special interests groups own this country.

— @Alloverthemap10

Do not disregard the constituents, our Second Amendment rights and our Constitution, or we will recall you. Who's next?

— @CerdafiedLisa

Want more of the conversation? Follow @USATOpinion or #tellusatoday on Twitter.

Letter to the editor:

The NRA has spent a ton of money to persuade the people of Colorado to recall two legislators for their stance on gun control. The most amazing part is that Colorado has been a victim of mass shootings twice, the Columbine High School and Aurora movie theater. Now all Colorado has to look forward to is more violence, and more sadness.

By the way I am a gun owner who believes in background checks. If you are against background checks, then you're the kind of person who would give a loaded gun to a chimpanzee. What a sad decision by the people of Colorado.

Ray Harris; Springfield, Mo.